TODAY Herald readers are being called upon to help raise �30,000 to replace Beer Congregational Church s dilapidated roof.

TODAY Herald readers are being called upon to help raise �30,000 to replace Beer Congregational Church's dilapidated roof.

The committee already has �20,000 saved for the 'Raise the Roof' campaign but a small miracle is needed to ensure the �50,000 target is reached by September when the essential works will begin.

It is home to organisations including Beer Tiddlers, Beer Lace Group and Beer Quilters as well as the UK's oldest Wurlitzer and is regularly used for church services.

Cynthia Dommett, church secretary, said: "The church is a place where everybody will come to if they are in need.

"It has to carry on - there is no question of it being closed down."

The original roof, which is nearly 150 years old, is in urgent need of replacing after decades of wear and tear.

One of the ways in which the committee is raising funds is by 'selling' church slates for �5 each.

Every person who buys one will have their name added to a commemorative book which will be displayed in the church.

Church Deacon Chris Singleton has made a model church that will gradually have its roof covered in small slates to represent the sales.

People can either buy a slate from a manned stall outside the church throughout the summer or by popping their donation and name into the donation box inside the church.

A cake and coffee morning held on Saturday raised �640 for the cause and this Sunday marks the start of Beer Congregational Church's fundraising week.

Events include: Church Gift Day on Sunday where people can donate money; an illustrated talk by Trevor Bolshaw on the history of the Wurlitzer in the church hall on Tuesday at 7pm (entry is the price of a slate); a coffee and cake morning on Thursday between 10am and noon; and a cream tea afternoon on Friday at Beer Sailing Club between 3 and 4.30pm.

The church committee has already been granted planning permission for the works which will take three or four weeks to complete - and during that time services will be held in the church hall.

Cynthia added: "We are stepping out in faith now that the money will be provided. "We hope villagers will help us in our time of need."

If you like to help raise funds for the cause by organising a sponsored event or to donate money ring Cynthia on (01297) 21824.