GENEROUS residents are being urged to help raise £10,000 so essential repairs can start on a medieval town church immediately.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is hoping to raise the final cash needed so that work can start on the roof of St Andrew's Church next month. The first phase of work on the Grade I Listed Building is set to cost almost £101,000, most of which has already been raised the PCC.

They have secured a substantial grant from English Heritage and approached more than 30 other charities for grants. There have also been large-scale fundraising ventures and sale of assets but there is still a shortfall of £10,000.

"We really have exhausted every fundraising avenue," said Canon Sheila Banyard.

"When we started to raise the money for the church repairs we set a target, although due to escalating building costs this amount has now increased by £10,000."

The repair work is just the first stage of an exciting revamp project for the historic town centre church in St Andrew's Street. However, the extensive internal refurbishment cannot go ahead until the essential repairs on the roof have taken place.

"The church is a town treasure, used by both parishioners and members of the wider community. We hope in the future it can be opened up to even more people," added Sheila.

St Andrew's Church is one of four Anglican churches in Droitwich Spa which also includes St Nicholas', St Augustine's and St Peter's. Parts of the building dates back to the Norman Conquest and it has been added to and altered over the years.

"We really just need this final push of fundraising so this essential repair work can start," she added.

For further information on how you can help, call Sheila on 01905 773134 or email sk.banyard@virgin.net