A £50,000 appeal has been launched to safeguard the future of a 300-year-old landmark building.

The Friends' Meeting House in West End, Kirkbymoorside, dates back to 1691.

It was built after George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, travelled around the area, and is thought to be the only Meeting House in North Yorkshire to have been in continuous use as a place of worship.

The grade II-listed building has recently been re-roofed at a cost of £20,000, but now needs improvements to provide access for the disabled, a new kitchen, porch and a better library.

The heating system also needs to be replaced and the stairs upgraded to provide better access to the gallery. More than £17,000 has been raised, and other funding is being sought from the regional Quaker movement, other charities and local appeals.

Anyone able to help is asked to call joint treasurer, Priscilla Webster, on 01751-431135 or the appeal chairman, Jean Storrow, on 01439-770231.