A DARWEN church may have to merge with other local churches if a debt of £42,000 is not paid.

But Father Douglas Moore, of St Cuthbert's C of E Church, has dispelled closure fears by saying he is certain the money will be paid off by the end of the year.

The Earnsdale Road church is one of many throughout the country facing a hike in annual contributions to the diocese as a knock-on effect of dwindling attendances.

Father Moore said that, unlike most, the church had not faced a loss of numbers but it must still must help to make up the loss to the diocese as a whole.

Blackburn Diocese said that if the parish could not pay its debt, due to a shortfall in its contributions in previous years, it ultimately faced a merger - but the initial focus was on helping the parish repay debts.

The congregation at St Cuthbert's has held various events throughout the year in an attempt to reach the target.

Father Moore said there was also a reserve supply of money belonging to the church which would be added to the total amount made from fundraising.

He encouraged residents in the community, whether they were members of the congregation or not, to go to events being held up until Christmas.

He said: "In recent years we have had a shortfall and this year we must pay it off. I am positive we will pay the debt.

"We have some money set aside which we can use so there is no doubt that even if we don't make enough from fundraisers, we will still be able to repay our debts.

"The fundraisers are intended to be enjoyed by the community as well as raise funds. Hopefully we will also find new members of the congregation for next year by holding these events."

Martyn Halsall, Blackburn Diocese communications director, said: "Many parishes are facing financial problems this year, sometimes throughout no fault of their own.

Ultimately if debts are not paid, there will have to be pastoral reorganisation. But we are encouraging parishes to pay their debts and we are fully co-operating with them to help them do that."

St Cuthbert's next event is an organ recital and concert at the church on September 16 at 7.30pm. Father Nicholas Davis, formerly curate at the church, will play the organ with a 30-strong choir and barbershop quartet.

Tickets are £5 for adults, and £3 for under-12s - contact Alwyn Pwalko on 01254 777 043, Jennie Briggs 01254 701 960 or Brian Townsend on 01254 701 339.