Friends and supporters of St Mary s Church in Baldock are celebrating the success of their fundraising appeal. In just twelve months a massive community joint effort, including considerable support from the town and other Baldock churches, has raised ove

Friends and supporters of St Mary's Church in Baldock are celebrating the success of their fundraising appeal.

In just twelve months a massive community joint effort, including considerable support from the town and other Baldock churches, has raised over �300,000. This brings the grand total raised to �366,000, and is enough to guarantee the English Heritage grant to carry out work to rebuild and repair damaged areas of St Mary's historic church tower.

The appeal has been so successful that the Parish Church Council has decided to extend its fundraising target by another �165,000. Raising this extra money during the course of 2010 will ensure that the restoration team can carry out work on the worn clock faces and the spire at the same time, saving valuable funds by combining the projects.

Father Andrew Holford, Rector of St Mary's, said: "We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who has fundraised tirelessly throughout the year to reach the total we needed. "It's taken considerable effort. But the many events, such as our non-stop Notes concert, art exhibition and wonderful street fair, put on with huge support from the Town Centre Partnership, have brought the community together, involving people from right across Baldock.

"It's a little daunting to be starting 2010 with a newly extended target, but we know that we can do it, based on the success we've achieved so far. Well done to everyone who has been involved, and please keep your support coming throughout the new year!