AN appeal to raise funds to help restore part of Burnley's oldest church has so far reached £19,000.

The Save Our Tower appeal was set up to raise the £50,000 needed to replace the tower pinnacles and parapet of St Peter's Church, after English Heritage rejected a funding application.

David Smith, secretary of St Peter's, who is organising the project, said a lot of the money has come from people connected with the church.

He said: "The appeal has done well to get to the figure of about £19,000 and we still have a lot of ideas in the pipeline."

Work to repair the tower of the church, parts of which date back to the 16th century, had to start last month because it was too dangerous to leave.

The existing pinnacles will be replaced with new stainless steel ones.

Mr Smith said it is expected the work will be completed in the next two or weeks.

He added: "The work is going very well and it will hopefully be completed in the next two or three weeks.

"The architect is coming today to review the work and see what else needs to be done."

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the appeal should send it to: The Treasurer, St Peter's Church, Church Street, Burnley, BB11 1DL.