A FUNDRAISING appeal to buy a replacement organ for one of Darlington's oldest churches will be revived next month.

The pipe organ at St Cuthbert's Church, in the town centre, was built in 1880 but its condition has deteriorated rapidly in recent years.

It means church officials are faced with the task of raising up to £400,000 to buy and install a new organ.

A flower festival last September was used as the launch the appeal, as the church aimed to make the town aware of the situation.

The congregation has already raised about £15,000 and the church will be hoping to drive the appeal forward after its annual meeting next month.

Church treasurer Brian Johnson said: "I'm hoping to get things started in April to pursue the main fundraising scheme. We will have to appoint professional fundraisers and identify a big name to lead the appeal."

The organ was due to be overhauled in 1986 but sufficient funds were not available to overcome the problems.