Pupils at St John’s Primary School in Wellington have helped raise money towards the repair of the local parish church after thieves stole lead from the choir vestry roof.

The Year 6 children coined in the cash for St John’s Church and Wellington charities through a virtual cycle event from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, and a whole-school non-uniform day, with £139.41 raised for the church roof fund.

The church still needs to raise £11,474 to fix the roof and another £10,000 to refurbish the area under the roof damaged by rain.

Gail Eddy, community links teacher at St John’s school, said: “Thank you to all parents who supported and donated. We are really proud of all the children for their brilliant efforts helping the local church fix their leaking roof.”

Christine Winhall, St John’s volunteer church warden, who has been working hard to fundraise, said: “It has been really frustrating having to fix the roof when we have so many exciting ideas about developing the building to help us tackle loneliness and isolation. We want to open the church to community groups, for concerts, art activities and pop-up meeting spaces.

“Looking after this ancient building that has served people in Wellington for hundreds of years is a big responsibility and it is a building that is there for everyone to enjoy the history, have a quiet place to reflect or to listen to God.

“This support from the children helps us to keep going and maybe more people will come forward to help us reach the target.”

Rector of St John’s Rev Tim Treanor said: “This gift is really important for the volunteer team working to look after the church, reminding us that we are part of an amazing community here in Wellington.

“We really enjoyed putting all our effort into the Angel of Hope project over Christmas and are hoping people will follow the lead of these amazing children and give generously to help us fix the roof as soon as possible.

“Then we can focus on our plans to bring angels of joy to Wellington for Easter. If you can help us raise the funds to fix the roof please do get in touch.

“Cheques payable to ‘PCC St John Baptist’ can be sent to The Parish Office, St John the Baptist, Wellington TA21 8QY or donations can be made online through the ‘A Church Near You’ website.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has already donated to this roof fund as we work together to preserve and develop this extraordinary historic building in our town.”

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.