A CHURCH in need of cash for rebuilding work has come up with a novel way to fill its collection boxes.

St Mary's Church, in Thirsk, is looking for people to sponsor stones to make up a £15,000 shortfall.

The rector, the Reverend Eric Norris, said: "There are quite a number of stones that need to be repaired and replaced, so we thought about getting individual sponsorship for them."

The church has raised £95,000 over three years, but needs £110,000 to restore the building fully. This will include replacing the chancel roof and carrying out repairs to stonework.

Stones for sponsorship range from £5 for one that needs descaling to £50 for a replacement of carved or moulded stone.

An entire pinnacle will be repaired if at least £150 is pledged for it.

The names of the sponsors will also be entered into a special book that will be stored in the church archives. Work on the chancel roof is expected to start this summer.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a stone should contact St Mary's Church on (01845) 523183.