AN APPEAL to raise £9,000 to restore a pipe organ at a Worcestershire church is forging ahead.

Members of the Beau Castle Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes – a fraternal organisation similar to the Freemasons – recently donated £100 to the appeal by Bewdley Methodist Church.

Secretary of the lodge, which is based at the Bewdley Institute in Load Street, Brother Ivan Perrins said he and his colleagues were pleased to support the appeal.

"The Methodist Church in High Street has been a key part of Bewdley peoples' lives for over 200 years,” he said.

“The organ there represents part of the musical heritage of our area of Worcestershire and we were delighted to be able to support the scheme.

“The organ is a relatively small and simple instrument that is perfect to introduce pianists and keyboard players to the challenges presented in playing a traditional pipe organ and we hope to see local people making the most of this opportunity once the restoration is completed."

The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was founded in 1822 and today is one of the largest fraternal organisations in the UK, carrying out a wide range of philanthropic work across the country.

To donate to the appeal or for more information call 07780650491 or visit www.bewdleymethodists.org.uk.

All donors will be recorded on a special plaque to be attached to the organ’s casing.