Wendron Church has been promised a grant worth quarter of a million pounds - but needs to raise a further £50,000 to receive it.

The congregation is now looking for the support of the community to help raise the funds to unlock the £250,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant and carry out "vital" repairs to the 900-year-old building.

The church needs work on its roof, the tower, the south wall and floor so that it can to continue to serve the local community with weddings, baptisms and funerals, as well as the weekly Sunday services.

Wendron School also celebrates special events at church, including its Christmas carol service, harvest festival, christingle and end of term leavers’ service.

Rev David Miller, the rector of Helston and Wendron, said: "This is a marvellous opportunity for us to continue to preserve and maintain this historic building which has been part of the life of Wendron and its surroundings for so many years.

"Generations of families have come here to celebrate significant events in their lives and we owe it to future generations to do all we can to maintain that tradition."

To help meet the challenge of raising the remaining £50,000, the congregation has already held events such as quiz nights, musical concerts, raffles and craft projects.

Members have begun writing to historical and restoration societies, and have been encouraged by some initial responses.

Donations have also started coming from individual supporters, some of them who have remained anonymous, and it is now hoped that other people in the community might consider giving a donation, however small, on the church's ‘Gift Day’ this Saturday.

The church will be open from 10am to 3.30pm for anyone to visit and meet the clergy and churchwardens.

Cheques can also be given, made payable to Wendron PCC and sent to Canon David Miller, The Rectory, Helston.