AFTER a gap of six months, during which additional funds raised, electricians from Anthony J Smith (Gloucester) Ltd have recently returned to Holy Cross Church, Crediton, to complete the final phase of the lighting and electrical improvements.

This final phase includes work in the chapter house, tower and parvise room above the south porch. It is hoped all these improvements will be completed by early March.

An Appeal was launched on March 6 2010 with the aim of raising a sum estimated to be £120,000. Due to the extraordinary speed with which funds were initially contributed, the first phases of the work were completed over 23 weeks between the 11 January and end of July last year.

As the work progressed costs grew, due to the complexities of working inside a Grade 1 listed building. Some of the newer wiring in the church proving not to be up to modern standards and other extras being added to the original specifications.

To-date just under £140,000 has been raised from a combination of donations, successful grant applications, specific fund-raising events and contributions from the Governors of Holy Cross and The Friends of Crediton Church.

Other funding has come from the Flower and Christmas Tree Festivals, held annually at Holy Cross.

It has been agreed that the Holy Cross Lighting Appeal will officially close on the second anniversary of its launch - March 6 2012. To mark the completion of the fund-raising a "thank you event"' will be held on Saturday, March 10 at 10.30am at Holy Cross.

There will be celebratory tea and coffee with cake, and a rolling picture display of photographs from the project on an eight foot projection screen.

Rector Nigel Guthrie will conduct a short service to close the Appeal.

Anyone interested and those who have contributed in any way towards the success of the Appeal are warmly invited to come along to Holy Cross to join the celebrations.

Church representatives would be happy to answer any questions about the new lighting scheme that anyone may have.

For the next two weeks the Appeal will remain open for any further financial contributions, as a small funding gap still remains.

Contributions be can sent to the Parish Office at the Boniface Centre, Church Lane, Crediton EX17 2AH. Cheques should be payable to "Crediton Church Campaign".