A MASSIVE £150,000 needs to be raised to replace a church roof in Abertillery. St Michael's Church, which was hit by a mini-tornado earlier this month, now faces a real challenge to find funding for the new roof.

The freak winds that hit the church ripped tiles from the roof and left a trail of destruction across the town.

Work to repair the storm damage to the church - at a cost of around £5,000 - has now been carried out and 90 per cent of the bill is being met by insurers.

Father Michael Beasley, vicar of St Michael's, said donations have already been made to meet the other 10 per cent.

But the storm revealed much more serious problems with the roof. "We were told some of the roof timbers are rotten and there is no point in just replacing them - the whole roof needs to be done," said Rev Beasley.

"The work that has been done will keep it waterproof for the time being, but it is not a long-term solution."

He said Abertillery is in a Communities First area, and the church will now investigate ways of getting funding for a new roof on the 120-year-old church.

The regular Sunday morning congregation averages around 40 worshippers - and Rev Beasley says outside help is obviously needed to raise such a huge sum of money. The local Tesco supermarket, which also suffered damage in the mini-tornado when around 1,500 tiles were blown off its roof, has offered to help.

Manager John Williams says the church may hold collections outside the store at a weekend to be arranged. Anyone who can help should contact Rev Beasley on 01495 212246.