A congregation is rejoicing that its church is no longer covered in puddles now 130-year-old roof tiles have been replaced.

People at St Mary’s church in Stapleford Tawney raised £70,000 over eight months last year and new tiles have now been laid over the 500-year-old roof structure.

Parishioners placed a time capsule containing a copy of the Epping Forest Guardian and a list of workmen into the roof cavity of the church, which dates from 1220.

Anne Padfield, a member of the church's appeal committee, said: "Over the years, rafters had rotted, tiles had slipped, and puddles of water started appearing inside the church.

“The church was still in use while the work was done.

“The builders covered the pews and the organ with plastic sheeting, so the organist had to play inside the sheeting, which was quite funny.

“During the work, the parish room was used as a polling station and we had a Christmas fair and several other fundraising events in the church, as well as a Remembrance Sunday talk and a funeral.

“It’s a mediaeval church, so we hope to keep it going a few more years.”

A flower festival is due to be held at the church on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the completion of the work.