Sunday saw the launch of an appeal to raise almost £300,000 to enable access improvements to be made at Falmouth Parish Church with the hope work can at least start by the time the church celebrates its 350th anniversary next year.

Members of the Friends of King Charles Parish Church and representatives from the Parochial Church Council (PCC) gathered at the church to unveil display boards, funded by the Friends, which explain how the money raised will be spent.

It is planned to roll the access project out in three stages.

The first, which will cost £111,360, includes the construction of an “iconic spiral staircase” from the ground floor gallery section of the church.

Falmouth artist John Dyer will work with local schoolchildren to provide the design for the glass panels of the staircase which will be based around the theme “the creation in Cornwall.”

The second phase of the project will see the |installation of a lift and a toilet for the disabled at a cost of £118,680 and the third and final stage will see the church courtyard entrance levelled and glass panelled doors installed along with an interactive history |display.

It is anticipated this will cost £54,000. At Sunday’s launch of the access appeal, architect Chris Smith and fellow KCM Friend Ruth Binny along with Mr Dyer were on hand to explain the project, which aims to improve access and facilities at the church and meet the needs of people of all ages.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the |project should contact the Rev Stephen Tudgey on 01326 319141.