A heritage listed church in need of repairs to its roof has been boosted by a raffle at the local Co-op.

After more than 150 years of exposure to the elements in the Yorkshire Dales, St Matthew’s Church in Leyburn faces a huge bill to have its roof repaired.

As a listed building it needs to use Welsh slates to match the originals, and with many quarries now closed, the church could end up paying a premium.

Undeterred, the clergy and congregation have set about raising the £150,000 needed. This has entailed various fundraising efforts along with a just giving online page.

Eileen Jackson, an active member of the church, set about organising a raffle to help the fundraising. Leyburn Co-op manager Jonathan Barker allowed Mrs Jackson and her colleagues to sell tickets in the store and even provided several prizes. Local artist John Duncalfe also gave a copy of his book on the work of Fred Lawson.

Their efforts raised £629 and the appeal now stands at £61,408 - nearly halfway towards raising the roof.

Rev Stephen Handscombe, vicar of St Matthew’s, said: “Many thanks to all who helped out with the raffle and a big thank you to Eileen Jackson for organising it.

“We are grateful for the support of Jonathan Barker and the staff at the Co-op for allowing us to hold it there and for their donations for the prizes.”

To contribute see: www. Justgiving.com/campaign/leyburnchurchroofappeal/.