A CHURCHWARDEN and her husband met Prince Charles to mark their fundraising for a moorland church.

Hilary and Paul Wood, of St Bartholomew's Church at West Scammonden, were among 150 guests at Clarence House in London at an event recognising the work of unsung heroes in church communities.

Last year Mrs Wood helped to raise £50,000, including money from the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, to restore the church's Welsh slate roof.

"The prince was absolutely charming and very interested in the church and the area," said Mrs Wood.

"Clarence House is a beautiful home and we were welcomed into three reception rooms. It was a delightful experience" she added.

St Bartholomew's served the village which was flooded when Scammonden Water and the M62 were created in the 1960s. It is a familiar landmark for thousands of people using the motorway.

The church still serves homes and farms scattered across the surrounding hilltops and valleys. The Grade 2 listed building, which dates from 1865, received a £128,000 grant from English Heritage.

Celebrations are being planned for June 3 to mark a year since the restoration.

But more work is planned, including a central heating system, access for the disabled and an overhaul of the organ.