It is an iconic Wednesbury church standing 800 feet above sea-level and offering stunning views across the Midlands.

The roof of St Bartholomew’s Church in Church Hill is currently being repaired by Whittington Lead Roofing Ltd after metal thieves plundered lead from the roof last year.

The 220ft high church is currently being fitted with 700kg of stainless steel sheeting and 22 plywood boards which will have the steel attached to them.

Father-of-two Martin Rigby, aged 50, from Birmingham-based Whittington Lead Roofing Ltd said: “It is great to be up there and the views are just stunning.”

His son Brett Rigby, 20, who is currently studying at Huddersfield University is helping his father repair the roof.

Members have already raised £8,000 towards the £75,000 repair bill after being told an insurance payout will only cover £15,000. The remaining £67,000 is set to be loaned to the church by the Diocese of Lichfield.