A CHURCH has been brought out of the darkness due to new lighting thanks to support from Newtown and Llanllwchaearn Council.

The original vision and aims of the new lighting of St Mary’s Church in Newtown was to supply the tower with electricity, to light the areas that were in darkness and provide a colourful lighting scheme that would enhance the building and surrounding gardens.

Community fundraiser Rory Evans was also involved in the project.

There have been frequent and persistent acts of vandalism over the last few years and this project looked at ways to not only help reduce the risk of this happening but to also enhance the area, particularly into the evening and night-time.

Phased coloured lights have been installed with high efficiency LED lighting that is slowly phased through with a spectrum of colours.

Deputy Mayor and lead Councillor for the project, Councillor Richard White, said: “Two trees in St Mary’s churchyard, the roots of which were raising and breaking up the footpath, have been felled and the footpath repaved.

“The trees have been replaced by the planting of five young trees. I am delighted that an exciting project to illuminate St Mary’s Churchyard enhancing the area for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike is now complete.”

He added: “Hopefully, this will put an end to the vandalism that has been perpetrated on several occasions in the churchyard.

“We are very grateful to Rory, known as our local ‘ghostly raconteur’ has been instrumental in raising a good deal of money for this very worthwhile project.”

From the outset, local community fundraiser Rory Evans was involved and eager to contribute to the project.

On the project, Rory said: “Thank you, everybody, who has attended my ghost walks around St Mary’s.

“It means so much to me to have the lighting up now.

“Great community spirit along with the staff at Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council enabled this to happen.”

He added: “It’s great to see the old church looking so beautiful.”