Church repaired after insect invasion

The church is expected to open in the new year

A Staffordshire church, which was forced to close after the roof became infested with Death Watch Beetles, has been restored ahead of schedule.

St Mary's Church, in Ingestre, was closed three years ago after the insects were discovered.

The Death Watch Beetle larvae live in the timbers feeding on the wood for up to 10 years before turning into beetles.

More than £600,000 pounds has been raised to save the grade one listed building.

Damaged timbers

St Mary's is the only Christopher Wren parish church outside London.

After the infestation was discovered the building was closed and parishioners have been worshipping at nearby Tixall.

Now that the roof repairs are complete the ornate plaster ceiling can be repaired.

The church is expected to open in the new year, with a major celebration planned for Easter.