VILLAGERS are hoping that a nostalgic trip down memory lane will help them in their quest to save their local Methodist chapel.

A steady flow of visitors enjoyed the three day exhibition at the Valley Chapel, Coundon Grange, this weekend.

The venue for the event is in desperate need of a new roof and windows. Villagers are hoping to raise at least £25,000 for the repairs.

Chapel steward Cliff Holliday, said the need for the repairs is getting more urgent and fundraisers have stepped up their campaign considerably in the past three months. He said: "We are just looking at the roof and the windows at the moment. In our position we felt it was best to take it just one step at a time.

"We have had two treatments on the roof and quite simply the fact is we cannot do that again.''

The villages in the Dene Valley historically had a strong Methodist presence, but over the years chapels have closed and been demolished, the victims of dwindling congregations.

There were three chapels in the village of Coundon but the last one was forced to close last year. Now there are only two chapels in the Dene Valley, one at Auckland Park and the Valley Chapel.

Mr Holliday said: "The people around here are not necessarily church goers but I have been overwhelmed by their support. This building has been part of their lives and they have such depth of feeling for the place that they do not want to lose it.''

Leanne Wensley, 36, does not attend chapel but she has devoted her time to fundraising to save the building. She said: "This building is part of the community and we don't want the community to fall apart. It would be a shame to lose the building."

There are several fundraising activities planned but anyone who may be able to help should call Mr Holliday on (01388) 458715.