ONE of the oldest churches in Cumbria has been shored-up for at least a few more hundred years as the final touches were added to a major refurbishment project.

The tower of the 1,100-year-old St Mary and St Michael's Church at Urswick is once again standing proud and with a few new additions following five months of building work.

Ageing sections on its upper reaches have been repaired thanks to a grant of around £8,000 from Grant Scape backed up by funds raised from coffee mornings aplenty.

With the help of a £21,900 Heritage Lottery Grant, the lower levels of the tower have also been cleared out, wheelchair access installed and a new wooden platform built at first-floor level for the bell ringers.

In addition, the ground floor area has been spruced-up with new kitchen facilities plus space for a permanent display about the history and heritage of the Furness area, in which the Grade I listed church has played a key role.

Just opposite the church - which pre-dates Furness Abbey - an archaeological dig has just uncovered the remains of what is thought to be a Roman Fort, several stones from which appear to have been recycled within the church's walls.

The man behind the excavation, Ulverston archaeologist Steve Dickinson, believes the fort could once have been home to Ireland's patron saint St Patrick.

He is also hoping to convince historians of his theory that the fort developed into an important early Christian monastic site after the Romans left.

The church display, which should be installed in the autumn, will explain the archaeology and the area's history. It is being put together by the Hidden Light Association, which is promoting Low Furness as a destination for spiritual holidays.

"It's important for future generations to keep this building in good order," said church warden John Imlach. "It's probably the oldest church in Furness and maybe the oldest in Cumbria.

"The refurbishment has made the whole thing more attractive and ultimately, when the display is in, it will be beneficial not just to the church but to visitors and the community who want to know more about Furness."

l Meanwhile, at Staveley, near Kendal, a much-missed church clock is once again counting the time and chiming the hour after an absence of five months.

The clock at St Margaret's Church was removed for an overhaul but remained out of action for longer than expected to allow unforeseen repairs to be carried out on the tower itself.

The timepiece was rebuilt by the Cumbria Clock Company while the tower gained an electricity supply and new roof slates.

The work was carried out thanks to grant aid from Friends of the Lake District and the Neighbourhood Forum as well as donations from village residents.