PARISHIONERS hope to raise the roof in their appeal for funds to meet the cost of emergency repairs at a village church.

Close examination revealed rotten timbers in the roof at St Barnabas Church, Burnmoor, near Chester-le-Street, after it began leaking in heavy rainfall.

St Barnabas' Parochial Church Council (PCC) won National Lottery funding of £30,000 towards the cost of the hastily arranged renovation work to the roof and stained glass windows in the Grade II listed building.

But the PCC, left to match fund the sum under its own efforts, has received a boost from its neighbourhood country estate.

The 1890s-building, alongside the A183 Chester-le-Street to Sunderland Road, is on land owned by the Lambton Estates.

Lord Lambton has agreed to help the cause by opening his home on the estate, Biddick Hall, and the adjoining gardens to the public for two weekends.

Visitors interested in receiving a rare glimpse of the stately home can call in during the Bank Holiday weekend of Saturday to Monday, May 26 to 28, and Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3.

PCC member Carol Collier said all proceeds would go towards church appeal funds.

The hall is open from noon to 4pm on each day and admission costs £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.