A NEW Brighton church celebrated three years of fundraising by watching Wirral’s Mayor place the final piece on the building’s new 170ft spire.

St James Church began fund raising three years ago aiming to hit a target of £150,000.

The money was needed to rebuild the church spire – believed to be the tallest in Wirral - which was no longer considered safe.

Yesterday saw the spire completed with Wirral Mayor Cllr Les Rowlands marking the completion by placing a cross at the very top.

Chairman of the restoration committee, Richard Wilberforce said: “It has been a long process, but with the help and support of our great community we were able to reach our target.

“Today is celebrating everyone’s hard work and dedication.”

Surveyors had estimated that around £400,000 would be needed, as the old spire had to be completely knocked down and rebuilt.

Fortunately, the church received a £250,000 grant from the heritage lottery fund.

To qualify for the grant the church had to prove they regularly engage with the local community.

Richard added: “We held a variety of concerts, sponsored walks and organ recitals- we did everything we could to raise money.”

“It has been remarkable to see how the local community has supported our efforts.

“Throughout our fund raising it has been fantastic to see how they have stimulated the interest of people who may not have been to church before.”

The work on the spire began in august, when the funds had been raised.

Stone masons worked 12 hours every day- even through the bad weather.

Mayo Rowlands praised their work: “Being up there has proved what a wonderful job the stone masons have done.

“I have nothing but admiration for these men - it has truly amazed me to see them working so hard to stick to a timescale of only a few months.”

Addressing local parishioners in a later speech, the mayor admitted that he had been nervous leading up to the climb, but insisted that now his “feet were back on the ground, it was a brilliant experience.”