FUNDS are needed urgently for restoration work on one of Englands's best loved and most striking churches.

The Grade I Listed St Michael de Rupe Church at Brentor is visited by thousands of people every year — yet if money cannot be raised to do vital repair work, there is a danger it cannot survive into the future.

Having used up much of its savings, the church is appealing for help, as re-pointing, works to the bell framework and other repairwork are likely to cost in excess of £50,000.

Churchwarden Sheila Downs said a survey in 2006 highlighted the work that needed to be done — and it could not be put off any longer

Mrs Downs said: 'We had been waiting for funds to do the work but we have also had to use our own savings.

'The problem is our investments have been losing money at a huge rate.'

St Michael's, which stands on top of the tor, 330 metres above sea level, is the most exposed inland church in the country. It was built in the 12th Century and is considered one of the most romantic locations in England — which is why it is so popular with couples wishing to get married.

But with no road or services to the building, everything has to be carried up by hand, including a generator.

Mrs Downs said water had been coming into the building and it had been deteriorating badly.

'Because of the Grade I Listing, we had to use special lime plaster to re-point the building and the ancient oak south door had to be repaired, not replaced, which cost nearly £2,000,' said Mrs Downs.

'Some work has already been done before the winter sets in.

'The whole logistics of getting scaffolding and materials up here is challenging enough, but it is so open to the elements that it cannot be done in the winter. Even this summer there has been horrendous wind and rain.'

Mrs Downs said the church received some donations, especially from people who had got married or who held had christenings there, but no-one had the time to organise fundraising locally because they were all working.

'This church is so well loved by people in the area and visitors,' she added.

'It is such a wonderful place which has a unique atmosphere and we believe there must be huge untapped sources of funding out there.'

St Michael's holds regular Sunday evening services in the summer with gas lights and a battery organ.

Eric Rhodes, who is also a churchwarden, said there were two churches to look after in the village, the other being Christchurch in the village centre.

'We have had £8,000 in grants for St Michael's but considering it is an ancient monument I would have expected a lot more,' he said.

'We are coming to the end of our five year plan by which time the work has to be done and that work does not come cheap especially with St Michael's.'

He praised Tavistock building firm Greenings who had done 'a wonderful job' with the re-pointing and repairing the south door which had not been in use for several years.

The Rev Michael Brierley, priest-in-charge of Tavistock and Gulworthy, said: 'St Michael's church is an absolute gem, as all local people will know.

'The number of visitors who go up there is extraordinary.

'Being where it is, the church gets quite a battering from the wind and rain — hence the recent re-pointing work on the south side.

Mr Brierley said a sponsored hymn-play was held last weekend to help raise money for 'this hugely special place'.

'Even if you couldn't make it on the day, do give a donation to Sheila,' urged Mr Brierley.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can call Sheila Downs on 01822 820382.