A CHURCH'S fundraising drive to replace its roof and carry out urgently-needed repairs to the building has got off to a promising start.

Members of Consett Methodist Church, in Station Road, need to raise £50,000 to replace the roof and the boiler, and carry out other minor repairs.

Although the appeal has just started, more than £3,000 has already come in and church regulars are busy organising a series of events to reach their target.

There will be a gift day on Saturday when the minister, Reverend Steven Dallin, will be in the vestry between 10am and noon and again from 3pm to 5pm to receive donations.

As well as providing a place of worship for the Methodist congregation, the church has been the centre of a number of community activities over the years.

For the past 75 years, it has been home to one of the area's oldest branches of the Boys' Brigade and thousands of young men have come through the doors to take part in activities.

As well as weddings, funerals and christenings, the church has also been home to blood donor sessions, countless other community groups and stage presentations.

Appeal organisers hope some of those who made use of the building over the years will take the opportunity to show their appreciation of the church and help it secure its future.

For further details or to make a donation, call Owen Temple on (01207) 505564.