TWO consultation events into the future of a Darwen church are yo be staged at the end of the month.

St Peter’s church is calling on businesses and residents to help it find £17,000 as part of an effort to repair its crumbling roof and preserve the town’s heritage.

It is looking to bid for a Heritage Lottery Grant (HLF) of £250,000 to restore the historic roof on the North and South aisle which is in need of urgent attention.

There has been some patching up of the roof after water started seeping in during the December deluge of 2015 but temporary work is no longer sufficient for its future.

The church must find £17,000 as this will be a required contribution if their grant bid is successful.

Reverend David Stephenson, the church curate, said he hopes the town will get behind the project.

The project will add to work which has already been done to restore the nave and tower roofs several years ago.

It received development funding of £23,200 from HLF last year to help the church progress its plans and apply for the full grant at a later date.

Several events such as a summer BBQ in June, a cocktail and casino night in July and a tea party in September will all be happening throughout this year.

It is hoped these events will raise thousands towards the scheme.

The consultation will take place on Monday, March 27, at 7.30pm and the following day at 2pm.