A new fundraising appeal to help restore part of a Grade II listed church in Buxton has been launched.

Over the past ten years, members of the Burbage community and beyond have raised more than half a million pounds to maintain and repair Christ Church.

Work to restore the roof has been underway for some time, but now a further £50,000 needs to be found so the chancel, organ and north east vestry can be repaired.

Grants are also being applied for and those involved in the church are talking to English Heritage to see if they can secure funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Church wardens Anne Wood and Margaret Foster said: “The chancel is highly decorated and we need to do the roof to preserve this for future generations.

“We receive a huge amount of support from the local community and are launching our appeal for funds over the Christmas period.

“We are grateful to Marcus Bennett and all the workmen who have enabled us to keep the church open for all services, weddings and funerals throughout this year and who have worked so hard to complete the project.”

Recently, the church was included again on English Heritage’s ‘At Risk’ register.

Reverend John Hudghton, Rector of Buxton, said: “This is another phase in our ten-year plan to restore this church as slowly but surely the fabric of Christ Church Burbage is being built back to standard.

“We hope that people will continue to support us in our endeavours.

“Of course we would rather spend money on people projects but unfortunately in the Church of England we have a legal obligation to maintain the fabric of the buildings entrusted to us so we gladly undertake this duty in order to abide by the law for the future good of our community.”

A number of events are taking place over the coming months as part of the fundraising, but donations, with cheques payable to Buxton PCC (Christ Church), can also be sent to the Buxton Parish Office, 29 Bath Road, Buxton, SK17 9HJ.

Alternatively, contact Anne on 01298 938152 or Margaret on 01298 78658.