AN HISTORIC church candle stand is in line for a much-needed makeover after winning the hearts of judges during a national restoration scheme.
St Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Ilford High Road, won first prize in Project Restore initiative - which aims to bring historical religious items back into public use.
Up to £1,500 worth of restoration work will now be carried out on the church's seven foot tall paschal candle stand, which was chosen by the judging panel for its beauty and historic significance.
A wide range of items including chairs, communion cups and thuribles were entered into the scheme - which was launched by Hayes & Finch, a church furnishings company, in July.
St Peter and St Paul's parish administrator, Chris Draper, entered the candle stand into the competition. He said: "We've recently re-ordered the church and now the sanctuary is quite minimalistic, it will be a lovely nod to its history to have our candle stand restored to its former glory and take pride of place in the church."
Specialists at Hayes & Finch will now carry out the restoration works.
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