TAVISTOCK Parish Church is inviting parishioners to contribute to its upkeep on a special 'gift day' this Saturday, coinciding with the vicar's 40th birthday.

The priest-in-charge, the Rev Michael Brierley, will be in Bedford Square between 9am and 4.30pm to receive any financial gifts for St Eustachius' Church that people might wish to make.

Mr Brierley said: 'Six years in this parish have shown me how much the church means to the people of this town, and how much they hold it in affection.

'It's an enormous challenge financially to provide the services that we do, and I hope this gift day will provide an opportunity for those who live in the town or who feel an affinity with the church, to very kindly contribute to its ongoing work.

'I happen this week to be celebrating a round-numbered birthday, and would like to invite gifts for St Eustachius. I receive so many positive comments about what the church does and what it means to people, that this event will allow people to help take the church into the future.'

The church's giving officer, James Teague, said: 'People often think that the church is very rich, or subsidised in some way, either from the national church, or from the Government.

'Nothing could be further from the truth. Every single running cost of the church — over £500 per day — from keeping the building going to the provision of a vicar — has to be paid for locally, by parishioners' generosity.

'Very many people give to the church immensely sacrificially of their time as well as their money, and we would like to invite the town as a whole to contribute as it feels able.

'Michael Brierley is extremely well-known in Tavistock, and works tirelessly to serve its people and the surrounding villages. Gift day is an ideal chance to make a gesture of thanks that will help the parish church. The church is the iconic centre of our town, and belongs to all of us.'

Churchwarden Cathy Sherlock said: 'All those who kindly give £10 or more will be eligible for membership of the Friends of St Eustachius'.

'So there will be immediate benefits for people who contribute in this way, as well as the knowledge and satisfaction that they are allowing the parish church to continue.

'Making ends meet is immensely hard on all of us in these difficult times, but I earnestly trust that the people of Tavistock will respond resoundingly to the call. 'Do stop and say hello to Michael on Saturday in Bedford Square, as he reaches the ripe old age of 40 — and please be assured that we are immensely grateful for every contribution, however large or small.'

If you are not able to visit Michael in Bedford Square on Saturday, and would like to contribute, you can give online at http://www.virginmoneygiving.com">www.virginmoneygiving.com (search for Tavistock) or call the parish office on 01822 616673 or [email protected]">[email protected]