THE amount of money raised by local fundraisers for repairs to Little Malvern Priory has now reached the stage where detailed work programmes can be drawn up.

With the news that English Heritage will donate up to £75,000 to help restore decaying roof tiles, timbers and stonework at the 830-year-old church, fundraisers are beginning the countdown to their final target.

So far, the 100-member congregation and Friends of Little Malvern Priory have raised a staggering £138,000 to pay for the work but still need another £37,000.

Honorary secretary to the parochial church council, Jeremy Webb, said: "We are still short of the amount we're aiming for but, thanks to the generosity of individuals here and abroad, the Friends of Little Malvern Priory and charitable organisations, we've reached the point where we can look at detailed estimates for stages of the work and get diocesan permission to put them in hand.

"It's particularly encouraging that English Heritage has promised us 30 per cent of the costs up to a fairly substantial maximum."

n A fundraising concert on behalf of the appeal will be given by Worcester Male Voice Choir tomorrow (Saturday) at Malvern Girls' College at 7.30pm. They will perform a range of pieces including Autumn Leaves, Nessun Dorma, The Soldiers Chorus and Kwmbaya. They will be joined by violinist Anna Downes, leader of the Midland Youth Orchestra.

Tickets are £6 or £5 for OAPs. To book, call Stan Creamer on 01684 576707.