THE countdown is on to raise the cash to fund work to preserve the iconic 40-foot spire of a parish church.

The parochial church council at All Saints' Church, in Rockwell Green, has raised nearly a quarter of the £20,000 needed for repair work.

Bovis Homes, which is building 205 homes at nearby Monument View, has just donated £1,000 to the fund, which needs to be raised by September 20 to ensure the works are carried out ahead of the winter.

The scheme involves replacing existing shingles and replacing them with treated cedar shingle, which are guaranteed to last for 40 years.

At the same time, the frames and glass of eight archer windows needs replacing.

The Rev Martin Beaumont said: "We are very grateful to Bovis Homes for its donation of £1,000.

"It’s a significant sum and we have almost raised a quarter of the funds now.

"However, we’re still a way off and we’re looking at ways to ensure this important church is preserved as it deserves to be.

"Just like the monument, the spire is an icon for the area.

"The pandemic has seriously curtailed fundraising events and with a repair start date of September 20, we really need help to meet the target, as going through another winter may well see the cost of repair soar."

Somerset County Gazette:

Churchwarden Sheila Rabson, Bovis Homes sales and marketing director Emma Smith, associate priest the Rev Martin Beaumont and churchwarden Tony Setter.

Emma Smith, Bovis sales and marketing director, said: "We’re delighted to help All Saints’ Church.

"It’s a beautiful church steeped in history and an important part of the local community.

"We wish them all the best in their fundraising efforts and hope the church is restored back to full health soon."