CHURCHGOERS are helping to raise money for a new roof.

Just under a third of the congregation regularly attending mass at the Roman Catholic church of St Thomas More, Middlesbrough, has pledged to raise £500 each towards the cost of replacing the leaking roof.

Assistant parish priest, Father Gerard Robinson, said he was not surprised by the pledges.

"What we lack in money, we make up for in a spirited people," he said.

"These people identify with their church and whatever it takes, they will do. It's a big challenge, but if awards could be given out, they would be given to these people."

A building committee has been formed from among the 220- strong congregation and between 70 and 80 have promised to each raise £500 before Christmas.

Essential repairs and renovation work will cost about £100,000 and there is £17,000 in the kitty.

Fr Robinson: "Last weekend we had umbrellas inside as well as outside the church."

Repairs are needed to the church windows and frames.

The work will be carried out as and when the money is raised.

"It is a long-term situation," said Fr Robinson.

It was parish priest Father John Lumley who asked parishioners if they were willing to make pledges of £500 to be raised between now and Christmas.

Fr Lumley's nephew, Paul Jeffers and his friends, are planning a sponsored attempt at climbing the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours, on August 19.

His uncle said: "It is a very generous gesture from Paul and his friends and already, there has been lots of support for their efforts."

Donations are also being received from non Catholics