OFFICIALS are still hoping to revive an appeal to buy a replacement organ for one of Darlington's oldest churches.

The pipe organ is one of the most striking features of St Cuthbert's Church, in the town centre, but its deteriorating condition has become a cause for concern in recent years.

However, the cost of buying and installing a new organ has been estimated at between £350,000 and £400,000, leaving church leaders to plan a massive fundraising campaign.

The appeal was launched in earnest at a flower festival last September and the congregation has raised about £15,000.

But church officials are now hoping to secure help from professional fundraisers and find a big name to take the appeal forward.

Treasurer Brian Johnson said: "It really got bogged down over Christmas and Easter, but that is out of the way now, so we are hoping to get the appeal launched and set about raising this very large sum of money.

"I am in contact with a firm which I hope will take on the task of professional fundraisers. We would certainly need such a professional outfit and a big name to front the appeal."

The organ was built in 1880 by Hull-based firm Forster and Andrews, but has declined to such an extent that the church believes temporary repair work is not the solution.

It was due to be overhauled in 1986, but sufficient funds were not available.