NEWPORT Cathedral supporters are using their "talents" to raise money for the rescue appeal.

People were challenged to take £10 and, taking the example of the Biblical parable of the talents, use it to raise as much money as possible.

Choir member John Granger decided to rope in his two friends, and fellow cathedral singers, Steve Harries and David Owen to help.

He is inviting people to come along and sing their favourite hymns at two evening events in Newport and Blackwood. Admission will be free but there will be a retiring collection.

Mr Owen will be the conductor at both occasions.

Blackwood Primary School will sing at the first event on November 12 at St Margaret's Church, Blackwood, from 7pm and the organist will be Michael Wilcox.

On November 18, join Eveswell Primary School Choir and organist Malcolm Watts at St John the Evangelist Church, Maindee.

Others taking part in the challenge have come up with a variety of fundraising ideas including making and selling jam, marmalade and pickled onions.

One mother of a chorister is urging friends to fill a Smarties tube with 20p coins.

We reported in September that campaigners raising money to repair Newport Cathedral are still £1million short of the £1.5million target.

Work is desperately needed on the 500-year-old beams supporting the arching roof.

For more information visit www.newportcathedral.com