COMMUNITY members who care about the ancient parish church at Mary Tavy have set up a friends' group to help fund maintenance on the building, which will be launched this weekend.

The ancient parish church, which dates back to at least 1270, will now have a friends' group to help with the costs of maintaining the Grade 1 listed building. The Rev John Higman, curate of Mary Tavy, said: 'The church is packed with history and is an important part of the village's heritage. We would like to warmly invite everyone who values this special place to help us care for and maintain it for future generations.'

The Friends of Mary Tavy Parish Church will be launched this Saturday (October 8) in the church which will be open throughout the day. There will be a guided tour at 3pm with refreshments on hand and all are welcome to drop in sometime during the day.