WORK is expected to start this month on the first phase of restoration at Earls Croome Church.

The parish has raised a third of the £120,000 needed for the complete programme in just 12 months.

The money has come from local fundraising, donations and two grants - £7,500 from the Historic Churches Preservation Trust and £8,000 from the Worcester and Dudley Historic Churches Trust.

"We're now entering into a contract for phase one works, which are repairs to the very top of the tower," said the rural dean, the Rev Chris Hardwick. "We then need to raise another £80,000 for phase two."