Money is urgently needed to help fund repair works to one of Halstead oldest and most prominent features.

The roof of St Andrew’s Church, in Parsonage Street, was damaged during a storm two years ago.

The wind got underneath the roof and damaged it beyond repair.

Temporary works were carried out to keep it safe, but repairs are now being carried out at a cost of £40,000.

Half of this amount will be met by the insurance company, but the Friends of St Andrew’s are trying to raise the rest.

A further £70,000 is needed for work to be carried out on some of the church’s windows.

Friend of the church, Roger Smith, said: “It is a lot of money.

“We have raised quite a bit and we have also had some bequests from two people which has helped us, but we still need about £75,000 more.

“St Andrew’s was built in 1320 and there was a church on the site before that.

“There is evidence of a church having existed on the site in the reign of King John between 1199-1216.

“The greater part of the Halstead church – the naive, the north and south isles and the chancel date from the earlier years of the 14th century.”

The building is a Grade 1 listed building.

Mr Smith continued: “You have to think how much repairs cost for a house, and because the church is listed, we have to get specialists in to do everything which makes it quite expensive.

“It is a lovely building which dominates the skyline in Halstead – you couldn’t imagine the town without it.

“It is not just the church which needs to help maintain it, but the community.”

The Friends is organising its annual Midsummer at Martletts event on July 16 and a concert with Hedingham Singers on July 2.

More information and details of further events will be released shortly.

Donations in the form of cheques should be sent to Friends of St Andrews Church, St Andrews Church, Parsonage Street, Halstead, CO9 2LD.

For more information visit friendsofstandrewshalstead.co.uk