THERE was a large congregation at St Keyne Parish Church on Monday to join in the celebrations of the building's re-opening. The building was closed last winter when it was badly damaged by a lightning strike.

The tower, believed to be constructed in the 14th century, took a direct hit during a storm on January 7, causing a pinnacle to fall onto the roof of the nave.

The cost of repairs to the tower, which engineers believe was lifted wholly and dropped again by the force of the lightning, plus other repairs to the church, was £255,000. Of this amount £196,000 was covered by insurance.

The balance of £59,000 is the subject of fundraising of which £8,000 has so far been raised by the small parish.

The celebration service was conducted by priest in charge, the Rev Canon Tony Ingleby. He was joined by the Bishop of St Germans, Christopher Goldsmith, who gave the formal blessing and the prayer of re-opening of the church.

Among those present were pupils from Trewidland Primary School who enchanted everyone with a presentation and singing of their favourite worship songs.

Rev Ingleby said: 'There was much to enjoy with good old hymns and new songs with everyone in good voice.

'There were thankful prayers which spanned the centuries the church had stood in that place, and a sparkling reading and talk from Bishop Christopher.'

Rev Ingleby said there were many thanks to all who had made the restoration possible and had helped to celebrate it at the service, and afterwards in the village hall for refreshments, where photographs and documents of the church were on display.

A welcome has been extended to all to join the harvest service on Sunday at 4pm.