ONE of the oldest buildings in Torfaen is set to be demolished unless a campaign to save it succeeds in finding a buyer.

Falling congregations meant Talywain's St Thomas Church closed its doors in 1995, and it has remained boarded up ever since.

Now a race is on to find a new use for the church, which was build in 1832, and money for renovations.

It was put on sale by its owners, the Church in Wales, for just £8,000, but a recent survey revealed it would take around £700,000 to convert into three floors of offices.

Members held a public meeting last week to test levels of support for a rescue plan and to let people know of the urgency of the situation.

Around 30 people turned up at the meeting at the Pension Hall, Talywain.

Ideas discussed included an arts and crafts centre, climbing wall, caf, social centre or offices.

Abersychan community councillor Chris Bloomfield has been a member of the church for 40 years. He said: "We wanted to see if there was anyone interested in taking the building over.

"The Garnsychan Partnership was looking at the possibility of converting the building into offices but that foundered because of the cost - an estimated £700,000.

"We are hoping to find some interest by Christmas. If not, we expect the Church in Wales and Torfaen Council will demolish the building.

"Part of it could remain, maybe as a garden of remembrance."

The church, now a Grade II listed building, was built for the workers of the British Iron and Steelworks.

When it closed, its congregation moved to the nearby 'new' St Thomas Church - the old church hall on Bluett's Road.

Members tried their best to raise the money to renovate the building.

"We made 170 separate grant applications," said Councillor Bloomfield.

"We were promised the odd £50 but nothing like enough.

"But the way things are going, the outcome is going to be that it's demolished and that would be sad."