DECADES of dirt, bat droppings and spider webs have been cleaned out of a historic church organ to bring it back to its former glory.

The impressive tones of the instrument at St Sampson’s Church in Cricklade had been muted over the years as the pipes became bunged up with debris.

But it now sounds clear as a bell following an 11-month fundraising campaign by churchgoers and choir members.

When it was launched in 2014 they were faced with the daunting task of raising £28,000 to have it renovated.

In the end they found the work only cost £20,000.

Organist Sarah Townsend, who is also director of music at the church, said: “It is absolutely amazing. It was definitely worth the money. It is louder, it is crisper and you can hear the tones much better.”

“The organ is known as the king of instruments,” she said. “It takes a long time to learn to play it. I’m a work in progress and I will probably be learning all my life.”

She explained the organ had been completely dismantled. Each of its 1036 pipes had been taken apart and cleaned.

“We also had a trumpet pipe added which came from a church in Worcester.”

The decorative front had also been restored to its former appearance and the pedal board had also been overhauled.

Money had been raised through several grants from organisations including Cricklade Town Council and a series of fundraisers including events like a 40s night, a flower arrangement night, concerts and a photo exhibition.

People could also sponsor a pipe. “There were also some generous personal donations.”

She said: “It is incredibly important to the church. It is a magnificent instrument. It was built in 1854 and to hear it played in its former glory is amazing.”

One of the reasons the instrument was so important to the church was that it was actually made for the building.

The restoration work was carried out by a specialist firm over the space of five to six weeks.

A service of rededication was held at the weekend and organ is already set to star in a summer choir concert on July 22 followed on September 17 with a recital by Liverpool Cathedral organist Prof Ian Tracey.

For information and tickets email tanyag@cricklade.demon.co.uk or call 01793 750309.