AN APPEAL has been launched to pay for restoration work at a thirteenth century church and to provide a weathervane to mark its 750th anniversary.

St Andrew's at Winston was founded in 1254, with the tower and steeple containing two bells added when the church was enlarged and restored in 1848 by architect John Dobson, more famously known for his work in Newcastle.

The tower is in two stages - a buttressed square plan base and octagonal belfry, with a steeple of sandstone flags with ball finial.

Although basically in sound condition, after 155 years there is work to be done.

The finial on the top needs renewing as it has broken in half, the flagged sandstone steeple needs re-pointing and the eight stone columns that decorate the tower require new stonework.

The lightning conductor also needs attention.

The cost of the work is about £7,000 and the churchwardens have launched an appeal to pay for this, with £2,000 already donated.

Also, to mark St Andrew's 750th year as a place of worship, it is hoped to add a weathervane in the shape of a golden cockerel, and the appeal organisers are hoping to tempt sponsors - either personal or corporate - to contribute.

The cockerel is symbolic because in the ninth century it was decreed that a cockerel be set up on every church tower and steeple, as a reminder not to deny Christ, as St Peter had done when the cock crowed.

One idea mooted to raise money is the possibility of using a picture of the church - left - taken by D&S Times' photographer Nigel Whitfield, on a greetings card, but the organisers would welcome any other ways of drawing money in.

Anyone who can help in any way is asked to contact church secretary Brian Clarke on 01325 730434.