IN response to our £40,000 organ appeal at Whitworth Church near Spennymoor, R Gent recommended the use of an electronic organ (HAS, Sept 22).

We considered this option rather than full restoration but believe we must try to restore a wonderful pipe organ that is part of the region’s heritage. It was built and installed especially for Whitworth Church in 1886 by the world famous Durham Organ Builders, Harrison and Harrison.

Arthur Harrison, the son of the founder, played at its inauguration.

The church is one of the most beautiful settings in the county and is frequently open to visitors and groups. As the resting place and home of Bonnie Bobbie Shafto, it is a significant tourist attraction as well as being the place chosen by couples from around the region for their wedding.

Finally, however good an electronic keyboard, nothing can quite compare with the magnificent sound of a pipe organ and we firmly believe that the church, its visitors and the area would be significantly poorer were this organ to fall silent forever.

Vivienne Lowe, Chairwoman of the Organ Restoration Sub Group of Whitworth Church Council, Spennymoor.