A CHURCH which is having to use its hall as an emergency venue for services after the roof collapsed has issued an SOS call for help to fund repairs.

All Saints’ Church in Sutton says it needs £20,000 in total to make repairs after parts of the ceiling had fallen a couple of months ago, making the main body of the church unusable.

All Saints’ vicar Reverend Mark Taylor described the Ellamsbridge Road church as a centre of “the community”.

The church has raised some of the money needed but would be grateful for any community help.

“We have raised £6,000 so far and we are appealing for anybody who may want to donate,” said Rev Taylor.

“It collapsed a couple of months ago. Anyone who calls All Saints’ their own and says that’s my church who is able to help, it would be great.”

All Saints’ has a long history in the area and was built in the 1890s after a donation by the Lord of the Manor, William Pilkington, whose daughter laid the foundation stone. The church is a Grade II listed building.

The church says local builders Alan Howard, Mick and Ian, from Sutton, have been working tirelessly to help with repairs. 

“We try to have the church open through the week for the community,” added Rev Taylor.

“We have started a craft group every Thursday and also have a toddler group, gentle exercise on Mondays generally for retired ladies and bingo nights and we’re hoping to do more.”

People who wish to donate can call at the parish office from Monday to Friday during opening hours or get in touch. Call 01744 813841 to get in touch or see suttonteam.org.uk