AN appeal has been launched to raise £50,000 to repair the bell tower at St Peter's Church in Norton.

The tower, which was the last part of the church to be built between 1910 to 1913, is 99ft and cost £1,052 with stone quarried at Levisham.

Reverend Rachel Hirst, vicar of St Peter's, said that a number of years ago some of the stonework on the top of the tower had became unstable and was laid onto the roof as there was no money to repair it.

"The lead roof has been patched up many times and early this year we noticed the roof was leaking inside," she said.

"A subsequent inspection led to declaring the roof unsafe for anyone to go up to and the need to restore and repair the stonework and replace the lead roof, along with a few other minor items of work.

Rev Hirst said at present the estimated cost of repair was about £50,000 and although they had applied to the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund for a grant they were unsuccessful, along with many other churches.

"St Peter’s Church is a landmark for many miles around and noticed by visitors to the area," she said.

"We have a lighted cross on the tower around Christmas time which many people comment on and appreciate and we also have a flagpole for occasions such as St George’s Day which at present we are unable use and I know a few local residents were disappointed not to see the flag this year."

Rev Hirst said the tower's ringing chamber held a peal of eight bells which were put in place between 1925 and 1946 and were considered one of the best peals in the country with people come from far and wide to ring them.

"Many people in the community use St Peter’s for funerals, weddings and baptisms as well as attending services and other events," she said.

"The whole building is a great resource for our community and we are also looking at ways to enhance that resource, however, our priority at the moment is to repair the tower before the problem gets worse and so we are launching this appeal."

Rev Hirst said they were seeking grants but would also be fundraising and hoped people in Norton and further afield would come along to events that were put on.

"I know a lot of people think churches are well off and have sources of money for upkeep and repair but the truth is the only income we receive is from parishioners, particularly those who attend services in the church," she said.

"The people of Norton are great at supporting good causes and hope they might consider helping us to keep the town’s parish church in good repair."

If anyone would like to make a donation they can use one of the envelopes in church marked Bell Tower Appeal or send a donation to The Treasurer, St Peter’s Church House, Langton Road, Norton YO17 9AE (cheques payable to ‘ST Peter’s PCC’.)

St Peter's also plans to set up the facility for people to give online. For further details go to stpetersnorton.org.uk