AN historic concert is being held this Saturday (July 11) at St Eustachius Church, to raise funds for its roof and that of Tavistock United Reformed Church.

It is thought to be the first joint funding event between the two churches since they parted company in 1662.

The concert is being given by Budleigh Salterton Male Voice Choir, which is thirty-five-years-old and has a reputation for the quality of its singing.

Over recent years, the choir has annually raised more than £10,000 from ten to 15 concerts, all of which are individual events for individual charities.

The Rev Michael Brierley, priest-in-charge of St Eustachius, said the parish church share of the proceeds would be put towards the re-painting of the church roof.

He said: 'The roof — while glorious — is in urgent need of re-painting.

'In some places, marks from the roof are coming through, and in other places the paint has substantially peeled off.

'Re-painting is a highly expensive task, due to the scaffolding required, and sample analysis is currently being done in Lincolnshire to determine the replacement paint.

'Proceeds from the concert will go towards this significant task, so that future concert audiences do not spend concerts thinking, "Oh, dear, that roof needs re-painting", but will be entirely enraptured by the beauty of both music and ceiling.'

The Rev Roger Cornish, minister of the United Reformed Church, said the URC part of the proceeds would be put towards the church roof.

He said: 'We are raising money to replace the whole of our roof — the target is £160,000. To date, we have raised £45,000, and we hope to commence the work before the end of the year.'

All are welcome at the concert, which begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are available for £6 from Bookstop, the parish office, or on the door.