A group dedicated to the preservation of Salcombe Regis Parish Church has received encouraging support, writes Kingsley Squire.

The majority are residents who, though not regular churchgoers, want to see the iconic building maintained in good repair far into the future.

“What they are saying is that even though they may not use it, or perhaps only occasionally, they don’t want to lose it,” Mike Newman, treasurer of the Friends of Salcombe Regis Church, said this week.

So far 85 people have signed up to annual and life membership of the friends, which was set up a year ago to raise funds to ensure the fabric of the 800-year-old church of St Mary and St Peter survives, well maintained, for future generations.

“I would say that the membership comprises 20 per cent churchgoers and 80 per cent from people from across the parish who want to see it maintained as their church,” Mr Newman added. Maintenance of our churches comes at a price that is often beyond the resource of the congregation and that is the case here. That is why we are so pleased with the support from both near and far.”

A schedule of work waiting to be carried out will be reported to the annual meeting of the friends at 6pm in the church on Monday, April 22.

? All are welcome to attend the meeting, which will hear a talk by stone mason John Mayne who has worked on churches around Devon.