A RIBBLE Valley vicar has asked his congregation to dig deep for a ‘once in a life time’ opportunity.

The congregation at Christ Church in Chatburn is aiming to raise £74,000 to improve the 175-year-old church’s toilet and kitchen facilities and make the building more user-friendly.

Canon Rodney Nicholson said the amenities were a must when dealing with large congregations, especially for christenings, weddings and funerals, as well as for concerts and a range of other social and community activities.

The scheme also includes better facilities for disabled people and a small vestry and meeting room in the space to be made available by the removal of the redundant pipe organ.

The church has raised £11,000 so far.