When the new gates at Burton Latimer Parish Church were opened yesterday evening, it was also the opening of a new lease of life for the building.

The dedication of the gates was part of a weekend festival to mark the completion of the church restoration programme.

The 15 year programme costing about £20,000, included new beams, replastering of the electrical system.

Said Rector of Burton Latimer, the Rev. Derek Hole: “It is a great relief that it is all over.  The congregation has always given generously and things have been moving pretty fast since I arrived five years ago.”

After a special confirmation service at the church, the gates – a copy of those around the tomb of the Black Prince in Canterbury – were blessed by Bishop Kenneth Lamplugh, former Bishop of Southampton.

They were dedicated to the bishop’s late brother, the Rev R. W. Sharpley, who was rector at Burton Latimer from 1937 to 1967.

The gates made of wrought iron, cost £465. They were designed by Wellingborough architect Mr. Stanley Woodrow.

Yesterday evening a flower festival dedicated to the church’s patron saint, Mary the Virgin, was also opened.

Church members have been busy all week setting out 15 floral arrangements depicting the lives of women of the Bible. The festival continues tomorrow and Monday.

This evening the church is the venue for a concert by the World Champion GUS (Footwear) Band of Kettering. And tomorrow morning, there is a service of thanksgiving and dedication conducted by Canon Eric Turnbull of Worcester.