A-SPIRE-ING steeplejacks are invited to take part in a mission at an Atherton church next week.

St Michael and All Angels, Howe Bridge, is planning a sponsored steeple climb to raise funds for the church building appeal.

Work to repair the spire, roof and choir vestry has been going on for a couple of months and the church is swathed in scaffolding.

The main contractors, Gaskell McDowell, and church secretary Kathleen Pendlebury, had the idea for the sponsored expedition before it is pulled down.

Church warden, Kevin Mercer, said: "There has been a lot of rebuilding on the steeple, the choir vestry has had to be uplifted and supported, the roof retiled, with the old slates where possible, and gutters and downspouts repaired.

"The church has to raise in the region of £20,000 plus towards the costs of the work on the grade two listed building, and we thought allowing people to scale the spire to see the magnificent views would be a good idea.

"Of course it will be done at the participant's own risk although the builders will be on hand to supervise safety measures.

"Climbers will be asked to pay a minimum of £2 to the fund and certificates will be awarded."

Churchgoer Joan Szymanowski said: "This chance will never be offered again. The motto is fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Parachutes will not be provided and no bunjee jumpers need apply."

Climbers are asked to turn up on the night at 6pm. For further details contact 01942 879941.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.