A medieval church has repaired its thatched roof after getting a £195,000 grant for renovation.

Eastern Daily Press: The discovery of an arch was uncovered during the restoration works of St Edmunds Church, Thurne. Picture: Nick ButcherThe discovery of an arch was uncovered during the restoration works of St Edmunds Church, Thurne. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

St Edmund's Church in Thurne needed repairing as the thatched roof made the building damp and the ceilings had fallen in.

Residents Pauline Parker and Pat George wanted to save the church from falling into a poor order, so they sought advice from the Norfolk Churches Trust.

Eastern Daily Press: St Edmunds Church, Thurne celebrates the completion of restoration work that has taken 18 months to complete. Church warden Pauline Parker with architect Nicholas Warns. Picture: Nick ButcherSt Edmunds Church, Thurne celebrates the completion of restoration work that has taken 18 months to complete. Church warden Pauline Parker with architect Nicholas Warns. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

A grant of £195,000 was given by the Heritage Lottery Fund to cover the cost of any repairs the church needed.

The repairs were made in two phases. The first involved improvements on the nave and the porch roofs, which was completed in 2011. The second phase was completed in May 2017, when a new roof was installed. New underground drains were installed to catch rain dripping from the roof preventing dampness inside.

Eastern Daily Press: St Edmunds Church, Thurne celebrates the completion of restoration work that has taken 18 months to complete. Picture: Nick ButcherSt Edmunds Church, Thurne celebrates the completion of restoration work that has taken 18 months to complete. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

A service dedicated to celebrating the completion of the works was held on Sunday, July 2.

Eastern Daily Press: Picture: Nicholas Warnes ArchitectsPicture: Nicholas Warnes Architects (Image: Courtesy of St Edmund�s church)

Eastern Daily Press: Picture: Nicholas Warnes ArchitectsPicture: Nicholas Warnes Architects (Image: Courtesy of St Edmund�s church)

Eastern Daily Press: St Edmunds Church, Thurne celebrates the completion of restoration work that has taken 18 months to complete. Picture: Nick ButcherSt Edmunds Church, Thurne celebrates the completion of restoration work that has taken 18 months to complete. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: St Edmunds Church, Thurne celebrates the completion of restoration work that has taken 18 months to complete. Picture: Nick ButcherSt Edmunds Church, Thurne celebrates the completion of restoration work that has taken 18 months to complete. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)