ROOF specialists are reaching for the skies with an ambitious repair project at Hexham Abbey. Essential maintenance is being carried out after funding to the tune of £357,000 was secured from historic England. The scheme is making good progress after getting under way late last year, and will help to preserve the Mediaeval building for future generations. The Rector of Hexham, the Rev. David Glover, said work at the Chancel East End would be followed by repairs at the North Transept and Nave North Aisle. There have been a few setbacks with the weather, he said. But overall the progress is very good, it was a productive weekend and start to this week.