A 160-YEAR-OLD landmark church, which launched a £10,000 fundraising appeal to save its spire, is almost at the half way mark.

Members of St Paul CofE Church in Ramsbottom have raised more than £4,000 after a surveyor diagnosed serious decay of the church’s 10 metre spire back in May.

The survey revealed the top four metres of the spire would have to be completely rebuilt and that the rest of the spire would need extensive re-plastering.

Ramsbottom and Edenfield Team Ministry runs the Bridge Street church along with St Phillips in Stubbins, St Andrew’s in Ramsbottom, Edenfield’s Parish Church and St John’s in Shuttleworth.

A special spire fundraising committee was formed to help the church reach its target in just a year - and the appeal looks to be on track.

A large banner has been erected up the side of the tower urging the congregation to ‘Save Our Spire’.

Committee member Alma Sanders, said: “We have had a very good start to the appeal raising around £4,000.

“The money is coming in dribs and drabs but every penny counts.

“We hope to push the appeal further in the New Year, with the aim of having raised all the money we need before next winter.

“We would like to thank everyone who has donated money or attended one of our events, as we couldn’t raise this much money without them.”

A recent raffle to win a Christmas hamper raised £300.

For more information on the events or to how to get involved call 01706 826482.