URGENT repairs are being carried out to the roof of a landmark church in east Belfast with strong connections to CS Lewis.
St Mark's Dundela, which this month celebrates 140 years since its consecration, has suffered leaks and internal damage over the past few years.
It has received a grant of £5,000 from the National Churches Trust to assist in completing repairs and keeping the building dry.
St Mark's has many connections to author CS Lewis, who was baptised in the church, and it is hoped that the roof works will be completed before a dramatic flower festival celebrating his life and faith at the end of September.
The 150 feet high tower of St Mark's is visible across Belfast. There are regular church tours for visitors interested in CS Lewis, who spent his childhood in east Belfast.
He visited his grandfather in the old rectory of St Mark's, with its famous lion doorknob, said to have inspired Aslan, the lion in the Narnia series.
The repair works are due to last five weeks.
Rector, Rev Helene T Steed, said it was a privilege to worship in a wonderful listed building, but it had its maintenance challenges.
"We hope to welcome hundreds of visitors to celebrate completion of the work and enjoy music, talks, readings, refreshments and magnificent floral displays on the theme A Seed is Sown: A Celebration of C.S. Lewis and Faith in Harvest-tide," she said.
