Darlington'S parish church needs more than £300,000 for a new organ.

St Cuthbert's Church in the Market Place, has launched an appeal to try to raise as much of the cash it can.

There are plans to apply to grant-funding bodies for some assistance.

The Rev Robert Williamson said: "The organ needs completely replacing and that is going to be very expensive for us. We are looking at needing to find between £300,000 and £400,000.

"We are doing our best to raise money first and we are hoping to get some grants from organ trusts."

The current organ at the 800-year-old parish church cuts out during performances and would need to be rebuilt if it were to survive.

Mr Williamson believes a new organ would be preferable to revamping the old one.

He said: "It's about 60 years old and they really have a life, if you are lucky, of about 50 years. What we need is a new organ which we can pass on to the next two generations to use the church. St Cuthbert's is the central church right in the middle of Darlington and although some people have suggested we should be spending money on other things it is not as simple as that.

"When you have got a lovely building you need a beautiful organ."

The church has already raised £11,000 towards the fund and will be holding a series of events to raise more.

On Saturday, March 20, musicians from around the region will perform John Rutter's setting of the Requiem.

The concert begins at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at £5/£3 concessions, are available in advance from Gill Tiffin on (01325) 487274 or on the door.

People interested in joining the scratch choir for the performance should ring the same number.

To make a donation send a cheque made payable to St Cuthbert's Church Organ Fund to Brian Johnson, 16 Woodburn Drive, Darlington.