PARISHIONERS of South Tawton and further afield are being asked to do their bit to help save the roof of St Andrew's Church in the village.

St Andrew's has major leaks throughout the church, and following analysis it was discovered that the slates across the entire roof needed replacing urgently. It was initially believed that only the aisle roof tiles would have to be replaced.

The leaks have caused internal damage and repair work is also required to renew the roof's lead covering, as well as internal timber repairs and removal of render on the south parapet.

There is also a need for ground drainage works, safely to remove the water running off the church roof. Archaeological studies and works have driven up the cost of repairs even further.

Over the years, the roof has been patched up and temporarily repaired many times, but it has reached the point that such work is no longer sufficient and a more permanent solution is needed.

The situation is so severe that the building has been placed in the highest category of English Heritage's 'Heritage at Risk' register, which highlights historical buildings in need of repairs or at risk if no action is taken.

Fundraising has already begun in earnest, and the Heritage Lottery Fund donated £151,000 earlier this year to support the work, but a minimum of £40,000 is still needed.

Churchwarden Lorinda Legge said: 'We have had a public meeting and we have worked hard to raise an awful lot of money already, but there is still plenty left to raise. We are applying for more grants and are hopeful that English Heritage will also increase their grant.

'The roof is in a worse state than we previously thought. Initially it was thought slates needed replacing on the aisle roof only, but now we know the whole roof needs re-slating and it is a much bigger job than we first thought.

'I don't want to alarm people but the situation is really very serious. If nothing is done, there is a danger that in a decade's time the roof could collapse, and we would be forced to close St Andrew's and leave South Tawton without a church.'

The church is a Grade 1 listed building of Norman origin, making it a building of exceptional interest.

The church consists of the chancel, north chapel and south chapel, nave, north and south aisles and the double-buttressed tower which stands at 75 feet high and houses six bells.

The parochial church council is appealing to parishioners to organise fundraising events and raise as much money as possible to help save the roof.

For further information on how to help fundraising efforts, call Lorinda Legge on 01837 840326 or treasurer Philip Lynn on 849144.