Work has started on repairs to a distinctive Bristol church after an appeal to pay for the work topped the £100,000 mark.

The grade-one listed St Mary's in Almondsbury has a landmark spire, of which there are only three in the country, with a diagonal pattern created from lead on a timber frame.

It also has a slight twist that is noticeable from certain angles, caused by movement in the timbers.

The appeal was launched to raise the money needed for vital repairs to the church roof, which had been leaking so badly at one stage that buckets had to be placed inside the building to catch the water.

Although a temporary repair was carried out, a permanent solution had to be found and enough money has now been raised to start the work and make it watertight.

But the fundraising has to continue in order to reach the target and pay for other work, including fixing damaged masonry and stonework and dealing with badly rusted cast-iron guttering.

Almondsbury vicar, the Rev Philip Rowe, said the initial appeal target had been reduced to £120,000 and £109,000 has already been raised.

But some extra work was uncovered so that will need to be funded.

Mr Rowe said: "I'm so grateful for all the help the community has given and pleased the work has now started. When it's done, it will be time for a knees up."