RESTORATION work on a church organ described as the "Rolls Royce of instruments" is nearing completion but parishioners still have to find £10,000 to pay for the work.

The Willis organ at St Paul's Church, Longridge, had been deteriorating for years until top organ builders were brought in at the end of last year.

When the restoration work is completed, the organ will be "one of the best of its kind in the North West," according to the vicar, the Rev Richard Awre.

Cash has been raised from church coffers, grants and parish fund-raising, but £10,000 is still needed.

Rev Awre, who takes up an appointment in the diocese of Coventry at Easter, said a fund-raising scheme would be launched to meet the shortfall.

The organ, installed in 1894, is a typical example of the later work of Henry Willis, one of England's most distinguished organ builders who installed organs at Carlisle Cathedral, the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul's Cathedral.

The restoration work, being undertaken by Liverpool organ builders David Wells, is due for completion at the end of February.

"The restoration work is going along nicely and should be finished soon," said Rev Awre. "We are looking forward to our organ being one of the best of its kind in the North West when restoration work is completed."

Rev Awre, who has a wife Allison, has been at St Paul's Church for nearly 10 years but is due to take up a post in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

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