AN APPEAL to raise almost £400,000 for major repairs to a Grade II-Listed Raglan church has reached £70,000.

The ‘Raise the Roof’ appeal was launched by parishioners of St Cadoc’s Church in October 2013 after a quinquennial inspection made it clear that the entire roof should be replaced along with other works carried out to the fabric of the church.

As well as repairs to the roof, gutters and tower buttresses, other improvements need to be made such as installing a disabled toilet and kitchen and improving access at a cost estimated to be £385,000.

The latest fundraising boost of £20,000 has come from the National Church Trust. St Cadoc’s, on Chepstow Road, is one of 36 churches and chapels in the UK to benefit from a share of a £607,000. The charity supports church buildings in need of urgent repairs and helps to pay for new kitchens and toilets to enable more places of worship to become community hubs.

Broadcaster and journalist, Huw Edwards who is vice president of the National Churches Trust, said: “The cost of keeping churches and chapels wind and watertight and paying for the installation of modern facilities is far beyond the means of congregations.”

“That’s why I’m delighted that the National Churches Trust has been able to provide a £20,000 grant to St Cadoc’s Church in Raglan.”

“The funding will help to ensure that this historic and much-love church will continue to serve local people for many years to come.”

In November last year the campaign was given a £30,000 funding boost by the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the possibility of a further £162,300. This means work can begin by the end of the year, while the committee continues to raise the rest of the cash.

The appeal committee has raised £21,665 by holding fundraising events that included a quiz night, coffee mornings, talks and an ‘Elvis’ concert.

The funds raised by the committee, together with the lottery funding and grants from other bodies and from the National Churches Trust brings the current appeal total to £73,815.

Rev Tim Clement, Vicar of St Cadoc’s Church said: “We are delighted that the National Churches Trust has given us this support.”

“This is really encouraging and will help us on our way. The church here in Raglan is the focal point of the village and forms an integral part of the community.”

“It is great to know that we are a step closer to preserving St Cadoc’s for future generations as an active place of worship and a resource for use by the whole community.”

To support the campaign visit www.raglan-parish.org.uk or follow the group on twitter@RaglanRoof