A FUNDRAISING bid is being launched this weekend to help repair a church roof which was targeted by repeated vandalism and theft.

Slingsby Church was the subject of repeated burglaries at the end of last year when most of the lead was stripped from the roof, causing major water damage.

It will take around £150,000 to repair and the local community has to raise at least £15,000 to support other sources of funding.

To launch the fundraising members of the church, which is recognised by the National Historic Churches Trust as a Grade 11* are holding a flower and garden festival.

The festival opens on Friday, June 23, with a concert, sponsored by Hardcastle France, in All Saints Church, Slingsby featuring - Malton School Jazz Band and nationally known local soprano Jane Goldsmith with the Slingsby School Choir.

On Saturday and Sunday a flower festival will be held in the church and Slingsby chapel from 10.30 a.m. to 4 pm.

The floral displays in the church will be created by members of the Malton and District Flower Club and will depict village life past and present.

The arrangements in the chapel will be created by a group of local flower arrangers and will depict Methodism in the Community.

On Sunday, the open gardens programme will also take place from 1 - 5p.m, when around 15 gardens will be open to explore and enjoy.

Teas will be served in the village hall throughout the afternoon. Where there will also be a display of art by local children.

The weekend will finish with a joint church and chapel service at 6.30 p.m. in All Saints Church, with The Bishop of Selby.

Car parking throughout the weekend is available on the Village Sports Field, beside the church, by permission of Slingsby Sports and Social Club.

Chrysa Apps one of the organisers from the PCC, said: “Slingsby Church was the subject of repeated burglaries at the end of 2016 when most of the lead was stripped from the roof, causing major water damage.

“The concert, flower festival and open gardens are part of our fund raising initiative to meet our share of the cost of repair.

Mrs Apps added: “We hope to raise around £4,000 over the weekend to kick start the fund raising for this vitally important work. Slingsby Church is recognised by the National Historic Churches Trust as a Grade 11* listed building worth preserving, and it plays a pivotal role in village life.”

For more information go to www.slingbyvillage.co.uk