A £40,000 APPEAL which has been launched to save the tower of one of Ryedale's oldest churches, All Saints, Terrington, has now reached the half-way mark.

Now, to help raise the balance, people are being urged to sponsor one of its 9,470 stones!

Dr Peter Barber, churchwarden of the picturesque country village church - which dates back to before the Norman Conquest - said: "We are asking people to sponsor a stone for just £1 as one way of helping to reach the target."

So far, £20,029 has been raised - some £11,275 of it through individual donations, says Dr Barber, a Lancashire GP who retired to Terrington.

The work is needed to renovate the crumbling stonework of the tower and to fund the provision of a kitchen in the belfry.

A chain of fundraising events has realised £4,630, but the congregation of All Saints suffered a setback last year when English Heritage turned down a grant for the grade one listed building because it had run out of funds.

"We are putting in a new bid this year and we are keeping our fingers crossed that this time we shall be successful," said Dr Barber.

The tower itself was built in the 15th century of "yellow stone", which has now crumbled through age and generations of being weather-beaten.

"The appeal has been very successful so far, bearing in mind that Terrington only has a population of 470," said Dr Barber.

Support has also come from Terrington Preparatory School, which uses the church, as do the neighbouring hamlets of Mowthorpe, Wiganthorpe and Ganthorpe.

A grant from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust has also boosted the funds, said Dr Barber.

"We are hoping that people who have had connections with All Saints in past years, but who have now moved from the parish, will also contribute. Perhaps they were married or had their children christened here or, like many people, have just a great affection for this lovely old church."

He added: "All Saints is not only ancient and celebrated, but an essential part of the geography, history and social economy of Terrington," said Dr Barber.

The church was founded as the spiritual centre of an agricultural community that developed around the drove road across the Howardian Hills between the Vales of York and Pickering.

Over the years, additions and alterations have been made to the church, said Dr Barber.

"What gave it its present dignity and character was a major restoration carried out in 1868. The south aisle was rebuilt and a porch added, a new organ installed and new pews and a pulpit were installed."

One of the features which attracts visitors is a stained-glass window by Burne Jones and made by William Morris.

Anyone able to help the appeal is asked to contact Dr Barber at Goodlands Farmhouse, Terrington on (01653) 648434.

Updated: 09:07 Wednesday, July 24, 2002