Repairs to Fireplace

[Alan51]

Ripped out an ancient gas fire and the concrete blockwork and now have a large fireplace. The brickwork needs cleaning and repointing and the current mortar is lime so I assume I need to also use lime.
Lime putty for a newby looks difficult to use and my local merchant has bagged hydraulic lime at grade 3.5 and grade 5. Which of these would be better and what's the lime to sand ratio?
Thanks

 

[tel765]

You dont need lime mortar - why not go to a plumbing supplies or builders merchant (if any are open near you) and get small bags of repair mortar powder. S&C or S&L it doesn't matter.

Whats your final purpose for doing this work?

 

[Alan51]

I assumed lime as that's what's been used to build the chimney.
Intention is to put in a multi fuel stove, the opening is plenty big enough to have a stove and have space around to keep it from the wall.

 

[tel765]

If you need any more suggestions for your project come back.