Townsfolk came together to support a campaign to save a landmark Heywood church.

Visitors dug deep at a cream tea at St Luke's Church last week, bringing a much-needed boost to funds for the building's new heating system.

A total of £960 was raised on the day with two further donations bringing the proceeds to £1,000.

This will be matched by local businessman Chris Furlong of Bibby Distribution, through the company's programme to help local charities, bringing the total from the day to £2,000.

The proceeds take the fund-raisers more than half way to the required total of £5,000, thanks to ongoing donations from residents and businesses.

They are calling on everyone in Heywood to donate £1 over the next few weeks, to be added to a £20,000 grant from Viridor Credits to get the heating system installed in time for the winter.

Treasurer Allison Bamford said: "People kept coming in with envelopes of money they had been collected and cheques, and we even had a donation through Paypal from Australia.

"At the tea itself, people enjoyed scones, jam and real clotted cream from Cornwall.

"It was a lovely, friendly event. We raised about £550 from the cream tea, £275 from raffles and tombolas, with the balance coming from donations.

"We would like to thank everyone who helped out and supported the event."

The appeal continues this weekend, with a second hand clothing collection.

Recycling Solutions has offered the church 50p per kilogram of clothes received and if a tonne of clothing is collected, they will donate a bonus of £250.

Used clothes can be dropped off on Saturday mornings between 10.30am and 12pm. The clothes will not be stored on site.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.stlukesheywood.org.uk.

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