A SPONSORSHIP scheme has been launched by Tavistock Parish Church to raise vital cash to keep the church thriving at the heart of the community.

Residents and businesses are being asked to sign up and show their support for St Eustachius' Church which needs almost £200,000 a year just to cover its costs.

Priest-in-charge the Rev Michael Brierley said the church had developed its activities in recent months and had seen a sizeable growth in attendance.

'It's a huge community resource,' he said. 'People's parents, grandparents and great grandparents have been baptised, married and buried from this building for 690 years. Local family life is intertwined with this building and it's been the spiritual home for thousands and thousands of Tavistock people.'

Mr Brierley said it was amazing how much money local people raised every year to keep the church going.

'Every penny is raised by parishioners. Last year alone a staggering £135,000 was raised in support of the church.

'The last thing we want to do is harp on about money, but we have to find ways of balancing the books. Our costs, most of which are statutory, are now £177,000.'

People are being asked to become a friend of the church for £10 a year or a sponsor for £100 a year. For local businesses and services there are a number of benefits, including free advertising in the parish magazine.

Today the church is considered an oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the town centre where people can go during the day to visit, pray or light a candle.

It is frequented by schoolchildren to mark significant events during their terms, and it hosts a range of concerts, civic services and other community occasions.

Mr Brierley said a new group for parents and toddlers had been set up on Tuesdays, the children's group which met in the vestry during the Sunday morning service was growing in size and confidence and the social life of the church was being broadened with events such as a cricket match back in September and regular teaching evenings being held.

He added that the church was also about the team of ministers who took school assemblies, visited people at home, in residential homes and patients in hospital, taught the Christian faith and provided a quiet, caring presence at community events.

'They are available to talk with people personally, confidentially and free of charge about anything at all,' said Mr Brierley.

Church friends' chairman Dr John Rea urged Tavistock residents to sign up to the sponsorship scheme.

He said: 'We appreciate that times are difficult but if we do not act now the future of the parish church will be uncertain.

'It's simple really — if you've valued what the church has offered in the past, value what it offers in the present or think you might value what it will offer in the future please, please support us by becoming a friend or sponsor.'

Tavistock mayor Robin Pike is fully behind the scheme.

'I'm becoming a friend myself and I hope that others will do the same,' he said. 'It's a hugely important resource for the town and I want to show my support for it.'

The clergy of the parish church will be available at the Christmas Bazaar in Tavistock Town Hall on Saturday (November 22) from 1pm to 3pm to answer any questions people may have about joining the sponsorship scheme.

Parishioners can also complete the slip on page 13 of this week's Times or ring the parish office on 01822 616673.