A DARWEN church has launched a major fundraising appeal to raise cash to repair its crumbling roof.

Committee members at St Peter's Church were poised to launch an appeal for restoring the church organ but were forced to put it on hold after discovering that the century-old roof was in need of urgent attention.

The roof of the church was patched up after water seeped in during the deluge in December but is now in need of a bigger overhaul after it began to leak again.

As well as submitting a Heritage Lottery grant application, Reverend David Stephenson said if this is successful there will be a big fundraising push.

He said: "It is vital we get this roof fixed for the long-term life of the church.

"It's getting on for 200-years-old now and it is a landmark in Darwen.

"People turn towards the church in times of need and everybody when they come into St Peter's becomes part of the story of the church.

"We want to maintain our community focus and our job as a place of worship and to continue both these things the roof desperately needs repairing.

"We want to restore the organ too, but it made little sense to do that when water was coming in.

"We will be launching an appeal if our bid for a Heritage Lottery grant is successful.

"If it is accepted, we hope we can raise extra funds and begin work before the winter."

The Anglican church is a Grade II listed building and was built between 1827 and 1829 to a design by Thomas Rickman and Henry Hutchinson.

Community activities are often organised at the church such as craft groups, parent and toddler sessions, concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Cllr Dave Smith said he will be behind the appeal to get the roof back in shape.

He said: "This is a wonderful historic building and they do great things at the church for the community.

"I would urge all of the people in Darwen to get behind this project because this is a very important building to the town."