A CHURCH has launched a £100,000 appeal to raise funds for urgent restoration work.

St Mary’s, in Rolleston-on-Dove, kicked off the campaign on Sunday to help pay for work needed to repair external masonry of both the tower and the South Wall of the Grade I-listed church.

The areas requiring attention are at both a high and low level, and the urgency of the repairs came to light following an extensive report carried out by English Heritage on the state of the masonry.

The estimate for the renovation work is around £185,000 and it will be completed in two stages, the first costing just short of £12,000 and the second phase more than £172,000.

English Heritage has pledged £9,000 towards the first stage and, subject to its successful completion, will grant £71,000 towards the second stage — but this still leaves a substantial shortfall of around £100,000 to be met by the church.

As well as being an important focus for worship, St Mary’s is used by many groups in the village for major and minor events such as the Scouts and uniformed organisations, area WIs, the parish council and John of Rolleston Primary School, and is also the venue for local music and performance events.

Rector Ian Whitehead said: “We are hoping that these repairs will enable the church to move forward, confident in the knowledge that the fabric is fit for purpose and compliant with health and safety and fire regulations.

“The present Parochial Church Council is conscious of its responsibilities towards the stewardship of this historic building and has no doubt of the importance of these works to ensure the future of our vibrant church.

“We would be extremely grateful for any donations received.”

Anyone would like to make a donation to the St Mary’s fund-raising appeal is urged to call Rector Ian Whitehead on 01283 810151, email revirwhite@aol.com or write to him at Rolleston Rectory, Church Road, Rolleston-on-Dove, Staffordshire DE13 9BE.