THE fundraising campaign to restore an ancient Listed building in South Tawton received a welcome boost recently.

A jumble sale organised to raise funds for the ancient Church House made £640 for the restoration fund.

The event was organised by John and Theresa Christian and drew a crowd eager to browse through quality bargains.

The Friends of the Church House group in South Tawton is aiming to raise around £160,000 to preserve and renovate the 15th century Grade II Listed building, which has one of the most unique thatched roofs in Devon.

The smoke-blackened thatched roof inside Church House attracts thousands of visitors a year, but the building needs rethatching on the outside, a new floor, door and window repairs, heating, lighting, new toilets and a kitchen.

The friends hope to attract Heritage Lottery funding to carry out the bulk of the work, but events like the jumble sale organised by John and Theresa will be held to increase funds.

Mr and Mrs Christian thanked everyone who worked so hard to make the event a success, including those who gave items, cooked or collected for the sale and the public who came and supported it.

The Friends of the Church House would like to hear from anyone with fundraising ideas or who would like to get involved with the project in any way. Call Mike or Sally Bailey on 01837 840276.