A MALVERN Link church is appealing for help to save its crumbling stonework.

The Church of St Matthias, in Church Road, needs to raise £13,000 to replace some of its masonry, which has suffered from severe weathering since the building was built in 1846.

An appeal was launched among the congregation and has already proved a big success

Doug Blundell, who is co-ordinating the appeal, said a third of the total has been reached in just a few weeks. One large anonymous donation has been made and the congregation have responded enthusiastically.

The weathering has not affected the Malvern stone that makes up the bulk of the church's fabric, but the softer stone used for decorative features.

This came originally from a quarry at Cradley and will be replaced with York stone similar to that used in the refurbishment of Belle Vue island in the town centre.

Around 85 stones need to be replaced and people are being invited to sponsor individual blocks at a between £100 and £300, depending on the shape.

In one case, five ladies from the congregation clubbed together to buy a window plinth. A sale of home-made marmalade held last week raised £250, enough for an archstone.

In addition to the £13,000 the church has also been promised a grant of £3,000 by the Worcestershire and Dudley Historic Churches Trust.

Anyone interested in helping St Matthias reach its target can call Mr Blundell on 01684 564308.