A CHURCH with a dilapidated organ is appealing for help so people in Rodbourne can have an instrument to be proud of.

St Augustine's Chu-rch in Summers Street has an organ which is about 80 years old.

It can no longer play some notes and is restricting the music the choir can sing.

Organist Ivan Cot-ton, 68, of Blunsdon, said: "It is alright for slow pieces but quick pieces are impossible to play."

The church can have the organ restored at a cost of up to £50,000, or replace it altogether with a pipe or electric organ.

Rev Tony Attwood would like to hear from churches or organisations which no longer need their organ.

Choir leader Linda Worth, 48, said: "The church has possibly got the best acoustics in Swindon and there are some terrific oratorios and other sacred music which we want to sing, but we can't because the organ is not up to producing the notes."

Church warden Chris Done, 63, said: "It is quite an anti-quated design.

"They don't make this type of organ any-more."

To help, call Chris on 01793 693230.