A TINY East Cleveland congregation has been helped by the Queen Mother in its struggle for survival.

Her contribution of a candy jar to a celebrity auction run by Loftus Methodist church members, some now in their 80s and 90s, was its top lot.

The eventual £550 raised by the auction was a welcome addition to funds which are a trifle short of an ambitious six-figure target the congregation set itself to restore the crumbling building.

More than a year ago, Sunday services at the Arlington church seldom topped the 20 mark and members used regular coach outings all over the country, and raffles, as the main sources of revenue for their redevelopment fund.

With bingo and other forms of gambling barred by the Methodist church, thoughts turned to bigger money spinners to enable them to make a National Lottery bid.

Their South African minister, the Rev Harry Nel, was a staunch supporter, and during a trip to America he told the story of his stoical little congregation, then took the advice of his son-in-law to spread it world-wide on the internet.

By this time, however, the 130-year old church had been deemed unsafe and services were switched to the hall.

Undeterred, and with membership now at 13, fundraising schemes continued.

The celebrity auction was the idea of organist Mrs Ann Forster, who took up the reins in memory of her late husband, who had been an ardent fundraiser.

The response from the many people to whom she wrote, was excellent. Contributions came from Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, Conservative leader, Mr William Hague, sporting heroes, entertainment stars and, of course, the Royal Minton candy jar.

She was disappointed at the lack of response from President Clinton and Luciano Pavarotti. The Dukes of Westminster, Northumberland and Devonshire sent their regrets.

The auction, held in Guisborough Methodist church hall was well attended, with some keen bidding. Peter Stringfellow's champagne dinner for two at his club, fetched £60 and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's voucher for two tickets for Whistle Down the Wind made £50. The candy jar made £150.

Mrs Forster told the D&S Times that their original ambitious target had had to be abandoned, as restoration of the church had, sadly, become a lost cause.

"We will be looking for other premises in which to worship in Loftus, so that the name can be preserved.

"The church is now up for sale and if there are no takers after six months its future will be reconsidered."

The next outing, called shades of autumn, is a mystery tour on October 17. Tickets are £8 and a second coach could be made available, depending on demand. Further information on 01287 676952