Work finally started on Monday, after months of fundraising, to remove and replace the wooden shingles on the spire at All Saints’ Church in Rockwell Green.

Signing sessions are being held for anyone who wants to sign a shingle and have their name on the spire tomorrow (Saturday, October 30) and Saturday, November 6, from 2- 4pm. Each shingle will cost £2 or three shingles can be signed for £5.

The work will see steeplejacks climb ladders, tying them to the spire as they go, before attaching ropes. The ropes help the steeplejacks to get round to each face of the spire and will allow them to get the old shingles safely to the ground and the new ones to the man putting them into place.

The steeplejacks can work in light rain or even fog but cannot deal with wind, especially if it is more than a gentle breeze.

It is hoped it will take two days to deal with each of the eight faces of the spire, so over 16 working days - Monday to Friday - visitors should be able to take spectacular photographs. But anyone who wants to take a picture can only access the site from the rear gate during working hours – visitors can stand along the hedge to take their shot.