THE congregation of St Matthias' church is rallying to save it from possible closure.

The Malvern Link church needs more than £17,500 to repair Victorian stonework and additional money to cover running costs.

In December, churchwarden John West said it might have to close in three to five years when cash reserves ran out.

But shocked parishioners are determined to rescue their church and have donated money and organised fundraising events to save the building.

A SOS - Save our Stone-work - appeal has been launched, where people can donate money by buying a part of the restored stonework.

A mammoth outdoor marmalade sale has also been arranged on land in Hampden Road, Malvern Link, on Saturday, March 1, at 10am.

Mr West said donations to regular collections at services had risen by 20 per cent since the news of the crisis and a 'repair not buy' programme had been introduced to save money on church purchases.

"It was a hard message for the members of our church to take on board when we told them of the plight of St Matthias' in December," he said.

"But the response has been remarkable and very encouraging. We still have a long way to go, and although we are not out of the woods there is a sense of reality about our future and a determination that our church will still be here in the next century."

Anyone who would like to help St Matthias' appeal should contact Mr West on 01886 833453.