A PLEA is being made for help on a major £100,000 project to restore a church tower in the North York Moors National Park.

Repairs are planned to the tower and roof of St Michael and All Angels Church in Cowesby, near to Thirsk.

The building was designed by English architect Anthony Salvin and it was erected in 1846 and it is one of the oldest churches in the district.

It is notable for the fact that it has an unusual central tower topped by a pyramid roof which houses six bells.

The building located within the North York Moors National Park Authority’s remit also contains an interesting spiral Jacobean alter rail.

To help ensure any repairs are identical to the original work locals are being asked to support the scheme.

The national park authority wants to see old photographs of the church to use as a design for the up coming repairs.

Beth Davies, the national park authority’s building conservation officer, said: "We recently funded vital works to prevent water ingress and protect the stonework corbels and minimise further deterioration of the internal plasterwork.

"The church roof which is dressed in diminishing courses of stone slates desperately needs attention though and part of the next phase of works will involve re-cladding the church tower.

"Research has highlighted that the tower was initially clad in slate but we feel that it has been altered with a stone course having possibly been removed at the time the tower roof was felted.

"We would love to know if members of the public have any old photos of the church that would assist with the restoration of this beautiful building."

The North York Moors National Park Authority lists around 3,000 listed buildings in its boundaries along with many others of historical importance.

Owners of these buildings can approach the national park authority for advice and, in some cases, grants to carry out the work.

Anyone who feels they can help with the St Michael and All Angels Church is asked to contact Beth Davies.

She can be contacted at the national park authority’s headquarters by calling 01439-770657 or by emailing b.davies@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk.