ST John's Parish Church in Bromsgrove marked the official end of its ambitious restoration scheme by staging a weekend of celebrations in October.

The attractions included tours of the ancient and now restored church and the chance to view the vast expanse of the newly-leaded nave roof from the dizzy height of the tower.

There was also a fete and the restored organ was brought into play at a well attended celebration concert.

A large congregation also attended a service to mark the completion of the restoration project.

The sermon was preached by the Rev David Rogers, the retiring rural dean of Bromsgrove.

There were contributions by pupils from St John's Middle School and a song Friends by Millfields First School pupils.

Following the service, more than 300 balloons, each carrying the name and address of the purchaser and prayers for the future written by pupils at St John's, were released.

Bromsgrove's MP, Julie Kirkbride, who was one of the appeal's patrons, unveiled a commemorative stone set in a niche near the west door.

EASIER TO MAINTAIN: Rev Nigel Marns with a cardboard model of St John's which was used to point out features of the church to visitors.