Work is about to start on a £97,000 project to renew the floor of Helston's parish church to ensure its use into the future.

Damaged, and in places dangerous, tile flooring is to be replaced with natural limestone at St Michael's, which is regularly used for weddings, funerals, baptisms and Sunday services.

It is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete the work, with the contractor working under construction industry Covid-19 safe working procedures, during which time the church will remain closed to visitors.

It has already been shut for a number of weeks due to coronavirus restrictions.

Michael Thorn, from the parochial church council, said: "The deterioration of the floor was first noticed as a serious problem four years ago, and its condition has become progressively worse.

"The tiled floor has become uneven, with tiles cracking and breaking, causing a trip hazard especially to coffin bearers and older visitors.

"Investigation of the problem revealed that the sub-floor beneath the tiles is disintegrating due to rising dampness and the floor needs to be removed and replaced.

Falmouth Packet:

"At the same time opportunity will be taken to replace an area of utilitarian concrete slabs laid in the 1970s, which have become stained by dampness penetrating the mortar joints."

A new sub-floor system will be laid down that will allow the floor to breathe and avoid moisture being pushed towards the pew plinths and the outer walls.

The 'Limecrete' system is a form of construction designed to be sympathetic to the Grade II* Listed building.

The new floor surface will then be formed of natural limestone flagstones.

The cost of the whole project is projected to be £97,000. The church has received a number of grants towards this, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Heritage Fund grant will also help provide a programme of related community events and activities organised by the Museum of Cornish Life, Helston along with the production of a new church guidebook, and management of the churchyard as a resource for wildlife.

Mr Thorn added: "St Michael’s is digging deep into its reserves to underwrite the cost of the project and will welcome other contributions large and small.

"Donations may be made to St Michael’s Church PCC via Canon David Miller at St Michael’s Rectory.

"The objective is to ensure that the church building remains available as an accessible space for the whole of the Helston community."