WORMS are causing a holey problem in the historic church of St Chad's in Poulton.

But now in a bid to combat the pesky wood-boring beetle larva from doing any more serious damage, parishioners are going to raise the roof of the church - quite literally.

Extensive repairs to the roof timbers in the 400-year-old church are needed, at an estimated cost of £56,000, to replace the wood damage caused by woodworm.

The work will involve a second roof being constructed above the existing one while the repairs are being carried out.

Vicar of St Chad's, Colin Williams, has already appealed to the congregation to think of ways in which they can help raise much-needed cash.

He said: "If work doesn't begin soon parts of the roof are in danger of collapse.

"And at the moment it is looking as if we are going to have to borrow the money for the essential work if we can't raise enough funds in time."

So far, several fundraising events have been organised for WORM, Work On Roof Money, which will include an 84-mile sponsored hike from Windermere to Poulton by Rev Williams, along with a Christmas fair and gift day.

Any readers who feel they might be able to help with fundraising ideas, or would like to give a donation, can call the vicarage on 883086.

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