THANK you for publicising the financial problems at St Peter's Church, Heysham. We are blessed with large congregations but these days a Grade 1 listed building needs the support of the wider community if it is to survive.

St Peter's is a treasure that belongs to Heysham and it may even be a national treasure. It is interesting that visitors will pay to visit a normal heritage site but expect churches to be free.

We need to ask ourselves if we want St Peter's to be there for our children and how much it is worth to us to keep it. What we need is a change of attitude so that our many visitors make realistic contributions and for the local community to set aside a little every week to support their lovely church.

Last month we sent out posters in our magazine asking people to let us know what they want from us. Since then volunteers (particularly young people) have offered to raise money by sponsored events.

Having fun, keeping fit and preserving a spiritual treasure must bring a smile to God's face!

We have a scheme at St Peter's where regular donors can be given a number so that their contributions can be anonymous. We have a scheme for taxpayers that will bring in an additional 28p for every pound donated.

I am sure that there are enough people who love St Peter's to preserve it for our children as former generations have done for us.

Rev David Tickner MBE

The Rectory

Main St Heysham