fundraising for the restoration of Malvern Priory's organ is entering its final lap.

Work began this week on rebuilding the instrument at the town centre church.

So far, just over £356,000 has been raised, leaving the appeal just £19,000 short of its target.

Mike Selby, chairman of the fundraising committee, said members of the congregation had recently made generous donations and grants have also come from Malvern Town Council, Peter Cadbury Trust, Allchurches Trust and the Garfield Weston Trust.

The organ, which had been suffering from serious wear and tear, was removed in September and spent the winter being repaired at the Leigh Sinton workshop of specialist Nicholsons &Co.

Now Andrew Moyes, Nicholsons' managing director, is confident the instrument will be completed and ready to play by early June.

The Bishop of Worcester has accepted an invitation to dedicate the instrument at a special choral evensong service on September 26.

Future fundraising events include a concert in July by the Exeter Cathedral Choir, which also performed last year under their organist and choir director Andrew Millington. He was a a chorister a Malvern and learned to play the organ in the Priory.

However, the highlight of the year looks set to be a recital by world-famous organist Thomas Trotter on October 16. A former student at Malvern College, Mr Trotter is probably the best organist in the UK and has performed all over the world in recent years.

He was appointed Birmingham's city organist in 1983 and is also the organist at Symphony Hall and St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey.

Mike Selby is looking for sponsorship from local businesses for this event and can be contacted through the Malvern Priory offices in Church Street.

Anyone who wants to help Priory reach its target can make donations, also at the Priory office.