A GROUP of dedicated volunteers are on a mission to save the world's oldest Methodist chapel still in use, from closure.

Dry rot and other significant problems were discovered during a survey of High House Chapel in Ireshopeburn, Upper Weardale, last year.

And with insufficient funds available to repair the damage, the church council had decided to stop services in the 18th Century building from October 31.

However, earlier this year, church member, Michelle Robson, fought to keep the chapel open and secured it a temporary reprieve until March 2019.

She has since set up a working group called Friends of High House in a bid to raise an initial £10,000 for a feasibility study.

And the volunteers have been working hard on several fundraising events.

This week they held a ceilidh while other fundraisers have included an art and craft weekend with hot food cafe and a Fizzy Afternoon Tea.

This Saturday they will be squeezing in an auction of promises between sheep sales at the St John's Chapel Mart, from 2pm, while they are also preparing for a choral concert at the chapel on November 10, at 7pm and a performance of Encounters with John Wesley, by well known actor Mark Topping, will be coming to High House in the New Year.

The group have also arranged for a rerun of Wesley’s Weardale CD for £10 and have printed a small paperback book of the history of High House Chapel.

This sells at £5 but when bought alongside a CD, the combined price is £13.

Mrs Robson said: "We’re still awaiting a costings survey to be completed so basically have no idea yet as to how much the renovations will cost but we hope to find out fairly soon.

"Meanwhile we are just working towards our initial £10,000 target and hope to get a feasibility study going soon."

The mother-of-three said new volunteers to the non-religious group were always welcome and urged people to get in touch if they have a "desire to see High House survive into the next century in whatever form that may take".

Mrs Robson previously said she felt the building should be registered as a mission with the church so that future generations could enjoy its history and heritage.

High House Chapel, which has about 20 in its congregation, is also connected to the Weardale Museum, a tenant of the adjoining old manse.

She added: "We have had lots of personal donations to the Friends of High House and would very much like to thank them for their support."

For tickets, purchases and enquiries contact Mrs Robson on 07715608606 or 01388537229.