A HISTORIC Kidderminster church has launched a public appeal to fund repairs to its building which was desecrated by thieves earlier this year.

An amount of lead was taken from the roof of the Grade 1 Listed St Mary and All Saints Church in May, which is estimated to have made about £400 for the thieves.

But the damage caused, exasperated by heavy rain fall shortly after the theft, has left the church facing a repair bill of tens of thousands of pounds.

On Saturday (July 25), the Mayor of Kidderminster Councillor Rose Bishop and the Rector of Kidderminster Ismere Team Ministry Revd Canon Rosemary Lawley were in Kidderminster town centre to launch a public appeal to raise funds for the restoration of the roof and repairing the subsequent damage.

Members of Kidderminster Male Voice Choir were also on hand and donated a cheque for £400 to kick start the appeal.

Churchwarden Nigel Preece MBE, said: "St Mary's Church is an incredibly important building in the history of Kidderminster. Many people will have been married, baptised and made their final journey at the church.

“When the full extent of the damage was known, it occurred to me that if every person in Kidderminster donated just £1, the church could be restored to its former glory, and with the minimum of delay."

Mr Preece added that, while the church is insured, it will not be enough to cover all the costs of restoring the roof and repairing the damage.

As a result of the damage caused and following very heavy rain, the interior walls of the building, parts of which date back as early as 1300, will have to be thoroughly cleaned and re-painted.

The organ, which is described as being of “cathedral proportions”, has suffered damage estimated at £10,000 and an intricate parapet, also damaged in the theft will cost a further £12,000.

The cost of replacing the stolen lead and repairing the roof accounts for another £15,000.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by either contacting the Parish Office on 01562 751923, Nigel Preece on 07776 464347 or by sending donations to St Mary and All Saints Parish Office, Churchfields, Kidderminster DY10 2JN.