£100,000 has recently been spent refurbishing and enhancing a Tynedale church's organ.

The first organ was believed to be installed in St Andrew's Church in Corbridge in 1844.

The current organ was installed in 1925 and underwent a major overhaul in 1979.

Recent works have refurbished the organ but also enhanced it by adding stops and enabling a greater orchestral range, including trumpet and trombone stops.

Planning for this project began in 2013 and a fundraising campaign was launched in 2019. Within weeks £60,000 of the £100,000 target was raised with community donations and the remainder of the funding came from various charitable trusts and other community organisations.

A drinks reception and recital was organised last Saturday (October 9) and was well attended by donors and regular churchgoers.

On Sunday morning a service of celebration included the rededication of the church organ and organ bench.

Organists Marc Bryant, John Roper and John Ross led by Music Director Colin Williams played a wide range of music to demonstrate the capabilities of the organ. They were supported by the St. Andrew’s Church Choir accompanied by guest singers.

The Rev’d Canon Dr. David Kennedy said: “The St. Andrew’s Church and Corbridge community is truly grateful for the generous support of everybody who made this important project possible.

"It will enhance our religious worship and provide the foundation for musical performances of the highest quality.

"We look forward to welcoming anybody wishing to experience the range and depth of music our organ is now capable of”.

Corbridge County Councillor Nick Oliver said: “I was very happy to be able to support this project with my councillor’s allowance.

"St. Andrew’s is at the centre of our community and I was only too happy to support a project with such lasting benefit. Congratulations to all involved.”