A NEW group has been set up to help save a historic Colchester church The Friends of St Leonard’s, on Hythe Hill, replaced the fundraising group of the same name which disbanded after collecting more than £300,000.

New chairman Steven Clarke said: “We are trying to raise money to keep the building. ”

The church is grade II listed and under the control of the Churches Conservation Trust.

It is believed to have been built in the 13th century and drew congregations of more than 500, but has not been an active church for 28 years.

Some of its major historical and architectural features include bullet holes from the Siege of Colchester during the English Civil War. Mr Clarke said: “We will hold a treasure hunt and a coffee morning on Saturday from 11am until 1pm. We want people to realise the church is going to be open for events.

“The old group had just raised £12,000 to get the clock electrified and in 28 years had raised about £310,000. But this had stopped and we are starting it again.”

St Leonard’s will not open for any more than the six services a year allowed for decommissioned churches. These will be on St Leonard’s Day and around Easter and Christmas.

But other activities will be taking place. Mr Clarke said: “We have to preserves the history and need to raise money to do so.”

To find out more, call Mr Clarke on 01206 250189.