A historic church gate in Bovingdon has been refurbished after being damaged during a storm last year.

Reverend Charles Burch, vicar at St Lawrence Church, Church Street, unveiled the refurbished Lych gate at a dedication ceremony on Sunday, August 3.

The Lych gate was built following the death of Isabella Moore in 1884 and had remained unaltered until an oak tree fell during a storm in October, causing "extensive" damage to the roof of the gate.

At the ceremony, Rev Burch told the story of Jacob, who proclaimed after a dream where he met God: "How awesome is this place. This is none other than the house of God, the gate of heaven."

The work was carried out by Hope Construction.

Peter Hope, who runs Hope Construction, said: "I have lived in the local area for much of my life and feel privileged to have won the contract against some nationally based companies.

"It is a source of great pride to me and my family that my work will be enjoyed by local folk and visitors to the church for many years to come."