A CHARITABLE trust is racing against time to raise thousands of pounds to renovate its historic village forge.

Repairs at Churchill Forge will cost more than £40,000 and English Heritage has offered to pay half.

But trust chiefs are finding it tough to raise the funds because it is already struggling to cough up £1,000 to pay for its annual insurance.

Pauline Hayward, whose father Claude Bache used to run the forge, said: "English Heritage promised us half of the cost if we raised the other half, but we are finding it extremely difficult. Pauline Hayward at Churchill Forge.

"Our three-year limit on the promised grant will finish this year so we have to raise the money as soon as possible."

Mrs Hayward, a Wyre Forest district councillor, added: "We've written to almost everyone - from charities to big and small companies - but they are also being affected by their own investments and other demands so they can't give us anything."

The forge, which is being gradually restored, is located on the site of a mill with origins dating back as far as the 13th century.

From 1700 it produced tools including salt skippets - special shovels for the salt industry at Droitwich - and ladles used in the Stourbridge glass industry and the metal refineries of the West Midlands.

The forge will be open to visitors on May 11 and August 25 between 2pm and 5pm. For information call Mrs Hayward on 01562 700476 or visit www.churchillforge.co.uk.