A CHURCH appeal in Box to replace heaters and carry out essential conservation work, is still thousands of pounds short of its target.

The £55,000 appeal set up last September by the church of St Thomas a Becket has already raised £25,000, but another £10,000 is needed for the new heating system to be installed in September.

Appeal spokesman Jeremy Dix said: "We face the prospect that if we do not raise the money for the heating system we will not be able to go on to the second phase of restoration."

He said the congregation could face a chilly winter if the old heating was not replaced.

"The church would still open but it would be less comfortable," he said.

Appeal chairman Mark Daymond said: "The response to the appeal by the local community has been quite magnificent, and we are particularly grateful for the generous donations from a number of individual benefactors and from trusts. Sadly, despite their immense generosity, we have still some way to go before we hit our target."

Fundraising events for the autumn include a sponsored horse ride on September 8, Old Tyme Music Hall on September 14, a poetry reading on October 11, a talk on the Leaning Tower of Pisa on November 15, and a talk by a retired Beefeater on December 6.

Further information from Mr Daymond on (01225) 811537.