The faith of Moreton villagers bidding to save the disintegrating roof of St Mary's Church has this week been rewarded by a £10,000 cash boost.

Tower of strength: Workman Geoff Bratt had a high old time as he joined colleagues putting the finishing touches to the newly rebuilt parapet of St Mary's Church

The grant, awarded by the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, takes the total so far raised by the Friends of St Mary's (FOSM) to more than £95,000.

It comes shortly after a quiz night in Moreton village hall raised £390 and a concert by the Magdalen Singers at High Laver Church added a further £675.

Now the organisers of Moreton's traditional Boxing Day Games and Tug O'Water challenge are hoping the event can generate a further £500 for the cause.

The event, which starts at 11am with an obstacle race in Church Road, has in previous years drawn large crowds to the centre of the village.

FOSM chairman John Collins said: "We hope to raise quite a lot on Boxing Day. We are on the home straight, but every few pounds we raise between now and Easter will be significant."

With preliminary repairs to the church tower now nearing completion, St Mary's representatives have revealed that they are aiming to be able to reopen the church by Whitsuntide (Sunday, May 19).

According to Mr Collins, the final amount needed to finance the new roof will not be known until workmen have had the opportunity to remove the loose tiles and examine the damage to the underlying timbers from wind and water.

Previous estimates of the cost have ranged between £120,000 and £140,000 - a figure that includes £20,000 to cover contingencies.

Mr Collins stressed that it was important for FOSM's fundraisers not to ease up before reaching the finish line.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Friends of St Mary's is asked to contact John Collins on 01277 890865.

Published Friday December 28, 2001