Work is due to begin next month on replacement lights at St Peter’s Church after a six-month campaign to raise funds for the project nears completion.

Earlier this year, the Reverend Ann Charlton urged church-goers and residents to raise funds for the new lighting.

A target of £40,000 was set at the launch of the ‘Let There Be Light’ campaign, and the current total stands at £39,692.

The vicar has expressed her delight at being within £1,000 of target. She said: “I would like to thank not only people from the church, but people of Budleigh Salterton who have worked hard to raise this total.

“The old lights had stopped working and we couldn’t really see – it was starting to get darker and darker.

“The new lights will give us more flexibility and reduce the running costs of the lights.”

Works are set to begin early next month and Ms Charlton said parts of the church would be closed, but St Peter’s would remain open to the public and for services.

A flower festival held at the church earlier this year raised funds for the lights.

The three-day festival featured musical performances and culminated in a fireworks display over Budleigh beach.

The church will feature as part of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, which starts on Thursday, September 15.

Marcus du Sautoy and Deborah Moggach will be giving talks during the event.