LOVED ones' names could grace the roof of a "gem" of a church as part of a novel fundraising initiative.

St Peter's Church, in Bishopton, near Stockton, is hosting a slate naming event to try to raise as much money as possible towards repairing the church's roof and tower.

For a £5 donation, supporters will be able to have the name of a friend or loved one written on to one of the roof slates in indelible ink.

Warden Richard Frankland said architects working on the building had described the church as a "gem".

He said it was hoped the event, on St George's Day, Saturday, April 23 in Bishopton Village Hall, would raise more than £1,000 towards roof repair funds.

There has been a stone-built church on the site of St Peter's since 1140 but the present building dates from 1850 - and the roof is in desperate need of repair.

Mr Frankland said a recent inspection showed that the plaster is starting to come loose from the roof, and the tower also needs urgent repair.

Parts of the medieval church are incorporated within the present building.

The church has already raised about £165,000 of the £200,000 needed to repair the roof and the tower, with a significant grant from the government's "Listed Places of Worship" fund.

Other finance has been raised from the local community and charities.

Mr Frankland said: "We're hoping that people who have a connection with the church will come along and name the slates after their loved ones.

"I'll be naming two after my grandsons, but others whose loved ones have been married or christened here, or had funeral services here, might want to name a slate too.

"A specially-bound book will also be prepared and kept in the church as a lasting record of each donation.

Visitors to the event will receive refreshments and musicians will be playing at the event while the slate records are completed.

For more information about the event, or anyone wanting to name a slate but cannot make the event, contact richardfrankland@hotmail.co.uk