Members of a church gather to celebrate the completion of vital restoration works to its cemetery Lychgate.

The gate at St Thomas Church near The Rectory in Bradwell-on-Sea was unveiled on Sunday and blessed at the beginning of the morning service.

The blessing was conducted by Revd Steven Poss and Revd Brigid Main

The project has taken the church more than a year, requiring a complete renovation re-roofing of the Lychgate.

It has also provided a new path for wheelchair users to access and finally repairs were carried out to an old oak fence on the grounds.

The cemetery was first opened in the 1880s and the church is thankful for the work that has been completed to the almost 140-year-old structure.

A spokesman for the church said: "The hymn ‘Abide With Me’ was sung during the sort service.

"Thanks were expressed to David May and Ben Gibson who carried out the work and to Phil Tylor who made the new cross mounted on the roof.

"The restorations were paid for by St Thomas’ church and a grant from the Essex Community Foundation.

"After the service the service concluded in the church followed by refreshments."