LEIGH Parish Church is three-quarters of the way towards its tower restoration appeal target.

Almost £100,000 has been raised since Leigh firefighters's world record breaking launch in June last year.

They lit 1,000 candles on a huge cake to kick off the £130,000 goal needed to repair the 500 years old landmark.

Now they are planning to play a fund raising part in the final run up to raise the final quarter by taking part in an Everest climb -- a 29,002 ft relay up ladders up the tower after the work is completed next spring.

One hundred daredevil volunteers are also being sought for a sponsored abseil down the renovated tower.

This two day event has been planned for the weekend of June 14 when it is hoped a fun day can be arranged on the Library Square.

Other money raisers include a one off comeback concert by the Leigh Cantamus Choir and a jazz evening at Leigh Cricket Club early in the new year.

Since the appeal was launched the church has organised numerous events, including a successful memory trail, which brought in a mystery donation of £5,000 and two other gifts of £500, and a big flower festival.

Fund committee member, George Bridge said: "The fire service has done a great job for us. They were in at the start and are now looking at the possibility of the Everest climb after the work, which is expected to start in April, is finished."