A SMALL group of volunteers recently completed the challenging task of repainting the 1,300 railings around the north and east sides of the churchyard at Holy Cross, Crediton.

A total of 850 railings were repainted last year with the remaining 450 that run down Church Lane completed during the last four weeks.

Many of the churchyard railings are Grade Two listed and date from 1830.   The missing railings along the west and south sides of the churchyard were removed during World War Two in support of the war effort.

Church spokesman Bill Jerman, said: “We hope in the foreseeable future to be able to repaint the west and south gates to the churchyard.

“Both sets of gates need varying simple and complex repairs which are currently estimated at around £6,000 before they can be repainted.

“One gate in particular is a in poor condition with the lower third in need of complete replacement.

“We will be making grant funding applications over the next few months.”

Mr Jerman added, however, that if any “Crediton Courier” readers would like to make a contribution towards the estimated repair costs, this would be greatly appreciated.

Donation contributions can be left at the parish office at the Boniface Centre or by BACS to Crediton Church Campaign 52-30-06 account 25387472.

Further information, if wanted, is available from Bill on 01363 772865.