IS there anybody there? A group of spiritualists from Lancaster and Morecambe are looking for people to help them breathe new life into a derelict church. Built in 1931, the Bulk Road Spiritualist Church has been badly vandalised since closing its doors 10 years ago, but the local spiritualist group hope that many 'healing' hands will make light work of the renovation. The group hope the church will become a true community centre for a wide range of people from single parents and pensioners to craft groups and musicians.

"We want to hear from people who can help us make the church a thriving centre for the whole community," said one of the organisers, Beryl Freeman.

"We want to hear from anyone who is willing to help in any way, from decorating, organising charity events or even just popping along to help with odd jobs. We have set ourselves the target of £25,000 to get the centre up and running. What we desperately need is a room from which we can organise our fund-raising events while the repairs are carried out."

The renovated church will be known as the Lancaster Spiritualist Centre and will hold regular healing groups and courses.

"There has been a lot of damage done over the years and we need local tradesmen, especially glazers and joiners, to offer us good estimates," added Beryl.

"We want the building to come alive again and be warm and comforting. There are many things that we need for us to realise our plans but what we need most of all is for people to get involved and make new friends."

Anyone who can offer help should call Lancaster 840202.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.