IT's been a landmark since the 12th century, but St Peter's Church tower at Newchurch is in danger of being pulled down after it was described by an architect as unsafe.

The cement holding the stones together needs replacing with lime mortar - a specialist and costly job.

Parishioners need to raise more than £30,000 for repairs or the 30ft-high tower could be removed. They hope to have the money within the year. The Reverend Hugh Trenchard said: "We applied for a Lottery heritage grant five years ago but couldn't raise match-funding so we didn't get that."

Churchgoers have held several events to raise money - but they are still far from their target.

Church warden Kathleen Whittington, 74, said: "We raised about £900. But it's a drop in the ocean."

An architect inspected the Grade II listed tower near Chepstow before Christmas and the area was cordoned off after it was revealed as a hazard.

Mrs Whittington, of Oakfield, Pont-y-Cosyn, Shirenewton, said the congregation was devastated at the prospect of the tower coming down. Treasurer Enid Heritage, 65, of Mynyddbach, Shirenewton, said: "The tower was patched up over the years with cement instead of lime mortar and now it's worn away. It's a lovely little church with a most fabulous view."

The main body of the church was built in the 1900s but the tower was built centuries earlier by monks from Tintern Abbey.

Mr Trenchard said the parishioners were determined to raise the money to repair the tower.

He said: "They're a great bunch who work tremendously hard fundraising."

If you want to help, ring Mrs Whittington on 01291 641600.