AN APPEAL to protect the future of an Audlem church has been resumed.

St James' church has stood sine the 13th century and has required continued upkeep since then to keep the building in good condition.

To raise money for the continued upkeep of the building, Audlem resident Ralph Warburton launched a plaque appeal at the start of the year, with residents paying money to have their name on a plaque, which will be installed in the church. The money from this will then go to the church's continued upkeep.

Ralph says the project has resumed after 'freewheeling' because of Covid-19.

"At the beginning of this year we set in motion an appeal for those who care to have a donor plaque within the church, bearing their names and as a record of their such welcome support," said Ralph.

"During the Covid-19 period we have been more occupied in helping the village as much as possible and as such, I have let the drive to freewheel for a while.

"I would like to kick start it again and declare that we will put a final date for receipt of the plaque appeal forms so that I can busy myself with commissioning the plaques already reserved. This will be the end of August.

"To date we have received the magnificent sum of more than £7,000.

"A very fine example of the generosity and caring heart of our wonderful community."

For more information on how to donate to the project, contact Ralph on 07813 820157.