A GENEROUS businessman has backed a campaign to help save a landmark village church to the tune of £10,000.

Several years ago, St Peter's Church in Arthington was found to have serious structural faults. A survey showed that rain water had caused substantial damage to the structure, particularly the pointing of the tower, and threatened to affect the internal fabric.

An appeal, called Save Arthington Church, was launched to raise the £100,000 needed to repair it.

The chairman of C F Harris Ltd, John Middleton-Walker, offered his company's support for the fund with a £5,000 donation. But the church discovered that further essential repairs were required - and Mr Middleton-Walker has boosted the fund with another £5,000.

Mr Middleton-Walker said: "We are a family business and have had connections with Arthington for many years through our ownership of Arthington Quarry so we were delighted to help."

In the last year the company, which is based in South Milford, has given £100,000 to a number of local projects.

"We see ourselves as being part of the community and so are pleased to be involved in initiatives which directly benefit local people," added Mr Middleton-Walker.

Mr Richard Baines, treasurer of the Parochial Church Council, explained: "We have a loyal but small congregation but the extent of repairs needed was well beyond our financial means so we launched SAC - Save Arthington Church - to raise the £100,000 plus needed for repairs.

"We are very grateful to the Harris Group for their generous contribution. Before Christmas, when we learned extra work was needed, we were very worried. Their support has meant we can complete the repairs and we are now looking forward to seeing the scaffolding come down."

Support has also come from the English Heritage Lottery Fund, a number of trusts and donations from more than 60 individuals. The work is expected to be complete by the end of this month.

l St Peter's, which dates back to 1864, is a fine example of Victorian architecture and was built by the Sheepshanks family. The family's descendants still live at nearby Arthington Hall.