HEYSHAM'S historic St Peter's Church - one of the oldest churches in Europe - faces financial ruin, The Citizen can reveal.

And church leaders have warned that over 1,500 years of worship on the site could come to an end unless cash is found quickly.

The grade one listed building was started in the sixth century, but historians believe a wooden structure for worshippers existed on that site as early as the fourth century AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Europe.

It has been immortalised on canvas by the artist Turner and has spectacular views over Morecambe Bay and the Cumbrian mountains.

But, unless at least £60,000 is found to cover the cost of urgent repairs, the church, could become a museum, or even face permanent closure.

The current Rector of Heysham St Peter's, David Tickner MBE, says the people of Heysham must decide how much they want to save the ancient building.

"We would either have to find a very rich patron, which I think is very unlikely, or the people of Heysham will have to ask 'how much do I want to keep this building for my children, how much is it worth for me?'

"Is it worth the price of a packet of cigarettes or a few tins of pet food every week?

"It's still very well supported, but people just expect a church to happen, they don't expect to have to pay for it."

The church needs to carry out repairs to the porch, built in the Saxon era, as well as the graveyard. It is also responsible for the sea wall, often battered by storms.

It ran up operating losses of £10,000 a year between 1994 and 1998.

"The people of Heysham have got something wonderful here. With the view out to the sea and towards the mountains, this might just be the most beautiful church anywhere in the world," added David.

"We want the people of Heysham to let us know what they want from us, what they need from us. We are genuinely interested."

Any offers of support for the church can be sent to The Rectory, Main Street, Heysham, LA3 2RN.