VILLAGERS have been challenged to raise a ton to help a church repair programme.

St James' Church, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, will launch its Ton Up Challenge in the new year as it continues to raise money for its Under The Roof Appeal.

So far volunteers have helped to raise more than £150,000 since the appeal was launched in December 2002.

A substantial grant from English Heritage also helped fundraisers on the way to replacing the roof on the 133-year-old building and other modifications.

Phase one of the project, which is the replacing of the roof and windows, has now been completed and the village has started raising money for phase two.

This will include a new disabled access entrance, toilets, kitchen and an education porch.

Vicar, Fr Gary Nicholson said: "One of the conditions of taking on the post of vicar at St James was I could improve the access to the church and install toilets.

"On a closer look we found that the roof was in desperate need of repair so that needed to be done before everything else.''

Fr Nicholson praised the way that the small community of Coundon has rallied round to raise money. He said: "It has really brought us together as a community. It is not just the people who attend church, the whole village has taken a pride in it.''

Highlights in the fundraising year included a duck race, a treasure hunt and an auction at the village Conservative Club.

Fundraiser Mary Goundary said: "Our events are not just for church people, they are for the whole village. We started the Ton Up Challenge among the congregation and it has been such a success that we are now asking the rest of the village to join in.

"The idea is to use your imagination in lots of different ways to raise £100 towards the appeal. We are hoping that some of the pubs come up with some great ideas be it a darts match or someone taking a bath in cold custard.''

Anyone who would like to take on the challenge can contact Mrs Goundary on (01388) 661985.