Repairs to the 196ft spire began in March 2020. Granite decorative stones, some weighing over a ton, were lowered, repaired and restored to their places on the exterior.

New flooring and a new stairwell were installed to replace what was rotten inside the spire and over four tons of mortar was used to grout both the interior and exterior.

However, the 5ft granite Celtic cross from the top of the east end of the spire was deemed to be too damaged to be put back on top.

Pictured: The extensive damage to the cross meant that it was unsafe to put it back on the spire.

Now, the Church is hoping to use this cross to create a commemorative piece of art to conclude the restorative project.

The proposed artwork will take the form of a large granite hand cradling the cross and will sit in the paved area outside the church café in the car park.

Pictured: The planning application shows the area in which the statue would be situated.

It's hoped the location will make it visible to all who pass by.

The sculpture has been designed by renowned local artist and artisanal stonemason, Derek Tristram.

Pictured: Tristram's previous sculptures include the hand at St Aubin.

Tristram's sculptures can be seen all around the island, including the hand sculpture using Jersey granite in St. Aubin.

He is also behind the distinctive 'clasped hands' statue, also made of Jersey granite, which stands at Corbiere to commemorate the saving of many lives after a ferry struck rocks off the Corbiere headland in 1995.

Pictured: Tristram's initial sketches for the sculpture outline the design.

The planning application for the sculpture is pending and awaiting approval.