PARISHIONERS of an east Durham church known as the Cathedral of the Collieries have launched an appeal for the final amount of cash needed to restore their historic organ.

Members the congregation at St Mary’s Church in Horden, near Peterlee, need another £45,000 to reach their target of £90,000 to restore their Harrison and Harrison organ - installed at the church’s inception 100 years ago.

The organ was built by the famous Durham firm in 1913 and, despite regular maintenance and repairs, now requires a complete restoration if it is to continue to function.

Fundraising co-ordinator Eric Smith said: “We would like to share the pleasures of the instrument as widely as possible by offering increased opportunities for visiting organists to play the restored instrument – and for members of the public, as well as the church to hear and enjoy choral music.

“The cost of the restoration contract by Harrison & Harrison will be nearly £60,000 plus VAT, but this does not include extra building work, such as electrical costs and church fabric repairs.

“We would also like to have an oak casing made for the front - which was not installed at the time.

“We have been able to raise £45,000 through donations, but need a further £45,000 to be able to complete the work.”

Mr Smith said, work was scheduled to begin in the summer, but would only commence once the cash required was raised.

He said: “We are keen to be able to do this in time for our centenary celebrations.”

Vicar, Father Kevin Smith said: “The organ forms a big part of the worshipping we offer here, including for singing of hymns.

“It has also been a good tool for encouraging new young organists. We have two young people who have learned to play on the organ and gone on to study music.”

One of them is David Quinn, 21, of Wheatley Hill, who completing his final year of musical studies at St Peter’s College at Oxford University.

Mr Quinn said: “It is a very difficult instrument to play, especially when it is not working properly.

“This organ has suffered a lot of water damage and operating the pedals is a particular problem.”

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Smith on 0191-586 3748 or email eric34smith@talktalk.net.