PARISHIONERS of South Tawton are being asked to take part in the latest fundraiser to help save the roof of St Andrew's Church in the village.

St Andrew's has major leaks throughout the church, and following analysis it was discovered that the slates across the entire roof need replacing urgently. It was initially believed that only the aisle roof tiles needed replacing.

The leaks have caused internal damage and repair work is also required to renew the roof's lead covering, as well as internal timber repairs and removal of cement based render on the south parapet.

There is also a need for ground drainage, and archaeological studies have driven up the cost.

Fundraising has already begun in earnest, and the Heritage Lottery Fund donated £151,000 earlier this year to support the work — but the community will need to raise around £40,000 itself to help save the church.

The situation is so severe that the building has been placed in the highest category of English Heritage's 'Heritage at Risk' register, which highlights historical buildings in need of repairs or at risk if no action is taken.

To help save the church roof, the Church House will host a silent auction on Saturday, November 10.

Vendors will be charged £2 per lot submitted for auction with the registration fee going towards the roof fund, with any profit going to the vendor, though anyone wishing to donate the whole part of their lots for auction for the roof fund is welcome to do so.

Church House will be open to receive lots on Friday, November 9 from 3pm to 6pm. Unfortunately, electrical items can not be accepted.

On the day, all lots will be available for viewing from 10am to 4pm. Prospective bidders can place their bids on a card next to each lot.

The highest bid for each item at 4pm secures the lot. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Some generous donations have already been offered for sale, including quality household items and decorative pieces, musical instruments and garden tools. The auction could well be the place to bag some genuine bargains, while raising much needed money for the church roof.

Full details are available by visiting http://www.thechurchhouse.org.uk">www.thechurchhouse.org.uk or by contacting Mark Freeman by e-mail at [email protected]">[email protected] or by calling 01837 840085.