A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save the church organ played at the wedding of James Herriot.

The pipe organ at St Mary's Church, in Thirsk, will fall silent unless it is given an £100,000 overhaul.

The organ was installed in 1877. In 1941, it was played during the wedding of Alf Wight - better known as vet and author James Herriot - and his bride, Joan Danbury.

The ceremony was described in one of his best-sellers, Let Sleeping Vets Lie.

The Rev Richard Rowling said: "The organ is the voice of St Mary's. It has accompanied the worship of God here for generations and no one in Thirsk will want it to fall silent, but silent it may fall because the main bellows are leaking and the air pressure is being reduced."

A sum of £42,000 will enable short-term repair work to be carried out. A full restoration and modernisation will cost £100,000.

A scheme giving supporters the chance to sponsor one of the organ's 2,091 pipes for £15 each has been launched and grants are being applied for. Church organist Alan Morton is giving lunchtime concerts on Mondays at 12.15pm until the end of October. Donations will go to the restoration fund.

Anyone able to help the campaign is asked to call Julia Smith, secretary to St Mary's Parochial Church Council, on (01845) 523247.