Boston Stump fund raises £450,000

St Botolph's Church dates back to the 13th Century

Campaigners raising money to restore a medieval Lincolnshire landmark say work on the project can now begin.

About £450,000 has been raised towards the restoration of St Botolph's Church, known locally as the Boston Stump.

Appeal Manager Peter Coleman said work on the Stump's Great West Door could start in November but added that there was still a long way to go.

Fundraisers need to find £3m by 2009 to restore the church in time for its 700th anniversary celebrations.

'Going to plan'

Mr Coleman, said the Stump, which is thought be one of the tallest parish churches in England, had deteriorated considerably over the last 70 years.

"We've still got a long way to go but everyone has been so supportive and so helpful that it has enabled us to start this project [on the Great West Door] and move the scaffolding round to start the north face of the tower.

"Although we've still got a lot to raise, the programme of restoration is still going to plan," he said.

The plans for redevelopment include new toilets, refurbished stops and renovation of the 272ft (83m) church tower.