'˜We're reachingfor the skies!'

The final stones of the long-awaited new church spire were finally lifted into place.

The operation involved a brand new £1M Liebherr hydraulic crane which straddled Dawber Lane and stretched over 100’ to reach the very top of the tower.

It was the massive machine’s first outing for the operator, APH Crane Hire of Lincoln.

A small group of onlookers looked skywards as the Rev John Parkin performed the topping out ceremony with a flowering rose bush - rather than a pagan yew branch.

The Rev Parkin described the £320,000 project - largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as being 99.9% finished.

Apart from the final stones, one of the very ;last jobs was to install and all-important lightening conductor...and a new weathercock.

Work has already been completed on the interior, including the restoration of the church clock by the original manufacturers, Smiths of Derby.

The project to complete the re-building of the tower and spire has secured the church’s future after it was condemined amid safety fears.

Now, the church is ready for a rededication service to be led by the Bishop of Grimsby on Saturday September 22.