PICKERING's parish church may have to launch a huge appeal to save its medieval wall paintings after failing to get heritage lottery funds for the third time.

Estimates for the roof and other essentials for the church could be as high as £100,000.

But, says vicar and rural dean Rev Canon Francis Hewitt, why should the people of Pickering have to pay out for something which is of importance to the whole nation?

The church has one of the most complete sets of medieval wall paintings in Britain. They were probably painted in the mid-1400s. The murals would have been to help the mainly illiterate congregation understand religious stories.

St Peter and Paul's has a leaking roof over its south aisle. Every time it rains, more water leaks into the structures.

Pickering Parochial Church Council member Geoff Barry said the pictures were in jeopardy.

"If the money isn't found, the murals face ruin. English Heritage

really disgusts me. This is an ancient monument used by the people of Pickering for worship. It leaves the 5,000 to 6,000 people in Pickering to maintain this on their own and this is a building for the whole country.

"We could worship in a field. We have this building as a responsibility to the country and we can't change that. Over the past years, we have spent £100,000 on a rolling programme."

Rev Hewitt added: "Over the past 20 years or so, we have done all our leading on the rest of the roof, but not for the south aisle. When it rains, the water comes in because the leading is now paper thin."

The church has just been refused funding for the third time.

"We are not a wealthy church. We have no fairy godmother or patrons and no enormous investment fund. What we get is what comes from the congregation.

"This is a large church, but we need £1,000 for regular outgoings."

The church pays £38,000 a year as its quota for the ministry fund.

"We have no complaints about that. We have to pay our share," added Mr Hewitt.

The church is presently looking to install disabled access. The vicar also wants to create a small All Souls Chapel where people can light candles and remember loved ones. He is also hoping to convert a corner into an office so he can be a visible part of the church and contribute to security, too. The church is always left open.

"The roof alone would take up to £50,000," said Mr Hewitt. "We do have some money, but if we put it all into the roof now, we would have exhausted all our funds."

Updated: 10:32 Wednesday, September 11, 2002