BLACKPOOL Pleasure Beach chief Geoffrey Thompson urged business and community leaders to support a project to save one of the town's landmark buildings.

Without an estimated £2million facelift, St John's Church on Church Street could face demolition within the next two to five years.

Mr Thompson, who has agreed to be president of the St John's Church Development Appeal, hosted a breakfast meeting of town leaders at the White Tower Restaurant.

He said: "I personally am committed not only to preserving Blackpool's heritage and the best of the past, but also looking forward to the regeneration of our town. I am delighted to be leading the St John's development."

Among those present were the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, patron of the appeal, and Sammy Lee, Coroner for Blackpool and the Fylde District, chairman of the appeal.

The Mayor, Coun Mrs Sue Wright, Coun Roy Fisher and other representatives of the council together with leading business and community leaders were given details of the ambitious plans for the parish church which will include a complete restructuring of the interior of the building and vital exterior work.

The ambitious plans have been developed through a partnership of Blackpool Borough Council, Blackpool Challenge Partnership, Blackburn Diocese and St John's Church.

If the project is successful the plans allow for the central area of the building to remain for Christian worship. A caf-restaurant will be created within the domed area of the building. Additional floors will provide studio and exhibition areas for the emerging creative industries. In addition there will be expanded community areas and facilities for training and workshops in the heart of Blackpool.

In January this year, the Blackpool Challenge Partnership agreed to support the appeal in principle and the Blackburn Diocese has pledged financial support. The church has raised £50,000 and is submitting bids for funding to the Heritage Lottery and the Arts Lottery.

The public appeal is for £500,000 and this amount is essential to ensure the project can go ahead. Anyone wanting to find out more can do so by contacting the Development Office on (01253) 294451.