THE ancient village church at Hovingham, near Malton, where the Duchess of Kent regularly worshipped prior to becoming a Catholic, has been closed because of falling plaster.

A £20,000 appeal launched to do the work has already realised £7,000 through events and promises, said appeal chairman Peter Moonlight.

The alarm was raised after plaster fell from the south aisle of All Saints, which dates back to Saxon times. The Duchess's family home is at adjoining Hovingham Hall.

Services are now being held at Hovingham Methodist Church, or church-goers can also go to the churches at Slingsby or Amotherby, said Mr Moonlight.

The biggest cost of the restoration work will be the scaffolding, he said.

The church's architect has recommended that a ceiling is fitted under the existing one, with supports between the beams. Much of the existing plaster consists of horse hair and other materials of the day, said Mr Moonlight.

The blow has been aggravated by the recent retirement of Hovingham's rector, the Reverend Geoffrey Simpson, which has put additional work on the congregation.

The fundraisers have held coffee mornings, car boot sales, a sponsored walk and a cheese and wine evening.

Forthcoming events include a duck race in Hovingham Beck, on October 26, and a punch and promises evening on November 15, when people will bid for items given to the appeal fund.

"We are also seeking help from other charities and agencies, but we are anxious to hear of other fundraising ideas which could be held," said Mr Moonlight.

The appeal organisers are hoping for contributions from people who have had connections with All Saints in the past, either as church-goers or through a family wedding or Christening, but who have since moved from the area.