A TOWN'S history group has launched a campaign to place a copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels where they were first translated.

The manuscript has been kept in the capital since being seized by Henry VIII in 1537 and is now housed at the British Library. But historians say the Gospels belong in the North-East, where they were penned by monks on Lindisfarne.

Earlier this year, the British Library presented two £13,000 laser copies of the gospels to Durham Cathedral, from where they were originally snatched, and the heritage centre on Lindisfarne, near where they were first created in honour of St Cuthbert.

Now Chester-le-Street Heritage Group wants a copy, but must first raise £7,000 by December 10. The gospels were translated from Latin into English by Anglo-Saxon monks at St Mary and St Cuthbert's Church in Chester-le-Street, in the town.

Anyone who wants to donate to the campaign can contact 0191-388 9380 or send cheques, made payable to Lindisfarne Gospels, to Christine Davies, c/o Nigel Humes Solicitors, 3-5 High Chare, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3PX.