A MAMMOTH fundraising appeal to buy a new pipe organ for one of Darlington's oldest churches is set to be launched.

The 124-year-old pipe organ at St Cuthbert's Church, in the town centre, has been deteriorating badly in recent times - and officials are now determined to raise the £400,000 needed to replace it.

The appeal will begin in earnest at a major flower festival, which gets under way this month, as the church aims to make the whole community aware of the situation.

St Cuthbert's is now looking for a big-name public figure to help spearhead the campaign, which is already up and running to the tune of £15,000 due to the efforts of the congregation.

The organ, constructed in 1880 by Hull firm Forster and Andrews, has declined to the extent that the church believes cheap 'patching up' measures are no longer the answer.

Four options were initially considered to resolve the problem - providing a new organ, reconstructing the existing one, finding and buying a redundant organ, or getting an electronic instrument.

Church treasurer Brian Johnson said it was decided that, in going for a new organ, the church would try to maintain tradition. "We were determined that if the funds could be raised, we would replace a pipe organ with another pipe organ. We are really trying to preserve something very special for future generations," he said.

Estimates suggest the project will cost in the region of £375,000, plus VAT and costs for scaffolding and heavy lifting.

Mr Johnson said: "The enormous cost is generated by the fact that every single piece is hand-made and there are hundreds of pipes.

"My view is that there was no way we could raise this other than through a big public appeal."

A new console was installed at the head of the nave in 1939 and was moved to the south aisle, where it now stands, in 1986.

Durham firm Harrison and Harrison has been responsible for maintenance of the organ since 1953, but another firm was commissioned to undertake a major overhaul in 1986. But that exercise was eventually doomed to fail as sufficient funds were not available to overcome the serious problems the instrument was developing.

The flower festival that will see the official launch of the new appeal, backed by church patron Lord Barnard, takes place at the church, from September 23 to 26. It will feature displays by Darlington Flower Club, Darlington Embroiderers' Guild and Darlington Art Society. The event will be opened by the editor of The Northern Echo, Peter Barron.

Admission to the Thursday night launch is by programme and invitation, cost £10, to include supper and wine. For the next three days, admission is by programme, cost £2.

Mr Johnson said: "It was decided to use this flower festival as the launch pad for the public appeal.

"Whilst such an appeal will be aimed outside the parish, it is essential to have the wholehearted support and commitment of the congregation.

Anyone interested in donating to the appeal, or wanting further information, can contact Mr Johnson on (01325) 350754.