A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save the church organ played at the wedding of world famous vet James Herriot.

The pipe organ at St Mary's Church, in Thirsk, will become redundant unless it is given a £100,000 overhaul.

The organ was installed in 1877. In 1941, it was played during the wedding of vet Alf Wight, who wrote as James Herriot, and his bride, Joan Danbury.

The ceremony was later described in his book, Let Sleeping Vets Lie.

Reverend Richard Rowling, the team rector of Thirsk, said: "The organ is the voice of St Mary's. It has accompanied the worship of God here for generations and no one in Thirsk will want it to fall silent, but silent it may fall because the main bellows are leaking and the air pressure is being reduced.

"All church organs are well-loved by their own members, but this is the one that was played at the wedding of James Herriot.

"Thousands of people worldwide have read the story of his romance and marriage in Darrowby, and many of them dream of coming here to catch a glimpse of his world."

An inspection carried out last year revealed an accumulation of dust and grit is choking the organ pipe mouths, metal tuning slides have rusted and the wooden pipework needs releathering.

A total of £42,000 is needed to carry out short-term repair work. The full restoration and modernisation of the organ will cost £100,000.

Grants are being applied for and local businesses and residents are being encouraged to contribute to the appeal.

A scheme giving supporters the chance to sponsor one of the organ's 2,091 pipes for £15 each has also been launched.

This would pay for the initial repair work, which would allow concerts and recitals to be performed to raise money for the next stage of the restoration.

Church organist Alan Morton is giving lunchtime concerts on Mondays from 12.15pm to 12.45pm until the end of October. Donations will go to the restoration fund.

To help the campaign, call Julia Smith, on (01845) 523247.