A CLERGYMAN has sent out a nationwide appeal for funding so that his congregation can have a new church.

The Reverend Geoff Tolley has contacted all of the major charities throughout the country so that the building of the new Central United Reformed Church can begin next year.

Mr Tolley is also calling on local people to dig deep to help raise the £220,000 needed to build the church on Duckworth Street, Darwen. Since the original church was demolished in 1995, members have been using the church hall as a place of worship.

But the hall is too cramped for his growing congregation and is in constant use with various community groups, Scouts and Guides using the hall seven days a week.

Mr Tolley said: "So far we have raised £75,000 through various grants and fundraising from church member . Now I have contacted all the major charities to try to attract the extra funding. However, help from Darwen people would be greatly appreciated.

"We are hoping to start building on the old site by next summer, but we cannot begin until we have all the cash."

The church has missed out on funding from the Millennium Commission and the Single Regeneration Budget but has praised Blackburn with Darwen Council for the support given in the search for cash.

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Tolley on 772449.

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