DONATIONS of money and assistance are coming into St Michael de Rupe Church at Brentor after a desperate appeal for funds in the Times two weeks ago.

The parochial church council of the Grade I listed building has to find cash for vital repair work and has already used much of its savings to re-point the building which comes under heavy attack by the weather.

St Michael's, which stands on the windswept tor 330 metres above sea level, is one of the best known churches in the country and can be seen for miles around. It is visited by hundreds of people a year yet it is a constant struggle to find the money for expensive maintenance and repairs.

Churchwarden Sheila Downs said since the article appeared in the Times several people had offered to hold fundraising events and an anonymous donation had been given of £1,000.

A series of art lectures, a barbecue and a talk by famous Dartmoor photographer Chris Chapman are among the events that have been offered.

'I have had phone calls from many people who love the church,' she said. 'Everyone has a passion for this church — it is so much part of the lives of people who live around here. You can see the church from a long distance and if people are coming home after being away, as soon as they see the church they feel they are home.'

Sheila said she was very grateful to those who were prepared to help and give money.

The church repairs were likely to cost in the region of £50,000 but only £8,000 had come forward in grant money.

A five-year plan of work that needs to be done is coming to an end and the bell framework is still to be repaired.

'We are hoping to set up a Friends of St Michael's group and want people to join us,' added Sheila.

The last service for the summer at St Michael's will be on Sunday, October 4, at 6pm. It will be a harvest celebration and people are welcome to bring their dogs.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation can make cheques payable to Brentor PCC Preservation Account and send to: The Treasurer, Burn Cottage, West Blackdown, Brentor, Tavistock, PL19 ONB.