ST JAMES’ Church in Jacobstowe is celebrating the restoration of the parish church following the collapse of the church’s pew platforms.

In 2013 all the pew platforms collapsed and it was decided to restore the church in such a way that it could be used as a village hall as well as religious events.

The restoration was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding bodies such as the Nazeing Park Charitable Trust and the Devon Historic Churches Trust.

During the excavation work, which was carried out by members of the community, the remains of a much earlier church was discovered.

This caused much excitement with Historic England and eminent archaeologists alike, who suggested that this was probably the most exciting piece of Church archaeology to have taken place for many years. These finds takes our church back to possibly the 7th Century.

The church will be celebrating its renovation by holding a special concert with music provided by Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band on Thursday, December 15, starting at 7.30pm.

To find out more about the concert email rodlane1941@btinternet. com or call Heather on 07919 133375.