Restoration of the remains of a 12th century church has been completed.

The work has been for the Parish Church of St. James the Apostle in Castle Hill Road, Dover.

The building was extensively bomb damaged during the Second World War and the ruins were kept as a commemoration of the the wartime experience of the town's people.

Expert stonemasons from contractors Universal Stone have now used Jurassic limestone from Caen in France to repair and replace areas of stonework.

Caen stone was a popular building material with the Normans.

The site is Grade II Listed and a Scheduled Monument. Following completion of the stabilisation and restoration works, it is hoped that the remains can be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

The work was ordered by Dover District Council and Cllr Oliver Richardson, portfolio holder for corporate property, said: “We are delighted to have completed work on another major restoration project in the district, protecting important heritage assets.

“The ruins of the St James' Church are significant, both in terms of their ecclesiastical significance, but also to the wartime experience of Dover.”

Dover, as a key port, was heavily bombed by the Nazis and was therefore nicknamed Hellfire Corner.

Chris Bromige, project Lead at Universal Stone, said: “To preserve this exceptional example of Norman construction, the team used traditional stone masonry techniques and hand-carving whist replacing weathered and damaged sections with new blocks and stone.

“It is rewarding to see places of architectural significance conserved and repaired to help regenerate local communities and ensure preservation for years to come."

The work on St James' Church was developed in conjunction with Historic England, conservation architects, Purcell, and Universal Stone.

An exhibition telling the story of the St James area of Dover, including the church, is due to open in the town centre later this summer, exact date to be confirmed.

It is being organised by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust who have completed several major excavations in the area.

Dover District Council is now on its biggest restoration project to date.

This is a £9.1 million refurbishment of the Neo-Gothic Grade I Listed Maison Dieu in Dover town centre.