YEARS of hard work, sweat and tears has finally seen Evesham's historic Abbey Bell Tower declared no longer "at risk".

The ancient structure, which stands in Abbey Park, was placed on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register in 2012 after large pieces of stonework began to crumble from the tower.

An enormous £500,000 appeal to fund essential restoration work was launched in June 2013 and, thanks to generous grants and public donations, the target was achieved around two years later.

Careful repair work began in April 2015 and by February this year the 110 foot tower was restored to its former glory, with broken stone work replaced, a refurbished clock face and regilded weather vane.

And following a painstaking three-month process to remove the scaffolding from the iconic tower, the restoration work was officially completed.

Stan Brotherton, appeal treasurer, said: "I think Evesham should be proud of itself. Everybody who helped should be proud. It is a huge amount of work, but worth it.

"So many people have helped raise the funds to conserve and preserve Evesham Abbey Bell Tower for future generations.

"If it [the tower] was left with fencing around it, crumbling into the ground that would have been a crying shame.

"The bell tower links the modern town with Evesham Abbey. It is the only surviving, intact building from the Abbey complex.

"The philosophy was to make sure as much of the original was kept."

Alongside Mr Brotherton on the appeal committee is Dr Sue Ablett, Chris Povey and Diana Raphael, who have had significant support from Fran Webb and Councillors Reg and Lynne Jakeman.

An array of grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Evesham Town Council's New Homes Bonus, Severn Waste and Rooftop Community Fund helped the fundraisers reach their target.

But the campaign could not have been successful without help from members of the public, who organised countless events such as runs, walks, swims, exhibitions, auctions, open gardens, collections and displays.

And the appeal was supported all the way through by the Evesham Journal.

Mr Brotherton said: "The fundraising brought so many people together, we did such an amazing set of events.

"The Journal was a fantastic support and help to the appeal."

Rhodri Evans, heritage at risk principal for Historic England in the West Midlands, said: "The Bell Tower at Evesham Abbey was added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2014 because of dangerous stonework high up the Abbey.

"Repairs have been completed with the help of a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant for Places of Worship and we are very glad to be able to take it off the Register this year."

For more information about the appeal visit eveshambelltower.org.uk