CLAPHAM has launched a £50,000 appeal to repair historic St James' Church in the village and is already almost half way there.

Dating back to the 14th century essential work needs to be carried out to the picturesque church to tackle leaks and damp.

The appeal has had an immediate boost of £20,000 thanks to the legacy of the late Maurice Brown, a keen supporter of the church.

However to reach the final total the church is appealing to villagers to support a number of events to ensure the repairs can be carried out.

The work, identified by surveyors during a recent inspection of the listed building, includes replacement of the asphalt gutters with lead, at a cost of £30,000.

The tower, the oldest part of the church, also needs repointing, the masonry must be secured and the east end of the church, rebuilt in the 1800s, is to be replastered.

Clapham vicar, Rev John Dalby said: "Evidence of dampness has been increasingly obvious and now we have a comprehensive list of repairs that must be done. Much of the guttering requires replacing with lead and the tower roof overhauling. Extensive repairs to the stonework are necessary and scaffolding will be required.

"The church is a listed building and as such the Parochial Church Council has a duty to do everything possible to maintain it.

"If we don't do the work the fabric of the church will deteriorate enormously. The asphalt gutters leak and the water has penetrated the church walls.

"Maurice's legacy has been wonderful. We had hoped to use it as an investment for general repairs but it will now be taken up."

Planned fundraisers include a gift day on Saturday March 16 at the church when Rev Dalby and wardens will be in church from 10am to noon to receive donations. Loans can also be made to the church to boost the appeal which will be paid back as soon as possible.

On June 8 the congregation is planning a major fundraiser to boost the appeal. Led by the Queen's Guide, Cedric Robinson, the church is optimistic 200 walkers will step across the sands at Morecambe Bay crossing from Arnside to Kent Bank.

Many walkers will be sponsored in aid of the church appeal but others wanting to do the walk for fun or for their own charity can do so at a cost of £10 which will go towards the appeal.

Dogs are welcome although smaller canines may have to be carried in parts. Walkers can leave their car at Kent Bank and travel by train to Arnside - saving them the three hour walk back!

Anyone wishing to find out more about the walk is asked to contact organiser, Elga Balmford on 015242 51324.

Clapham Street Market in July will also boost the appeal and other fundraisers include "Nosh and Natter" events planned for April. Applications for grants are to be made to help meet the costs.

The church hopes that if it is able to raise the funds the repairs, expected to last three months, will be carried out in the early summer.