A major project to repair one of the most visited churches in England could be scrapped unless its supporters can raise £37,000 before the middle of January.

Haworth Parish Church, the burial place of the Bronte sisters, needs to raise £1.25 million to repair its badly leaking roof, restore water-damaged wall paintings and make the building fit for the 21st century.

English Heritage has agreed to fund part of the work, but requires the church to pay £65,000 in match funding before it will release almost £100,000 for the first stage of the project to repair the south roof.

But so far the church has only raised £28,000 after an application for a large grant fell through, meaning they have to raise £37,000 in a matter of weeks.

Haworth Parish Council chairman John Huxley, who is also chairman of the church’s Future Group and secretary of the Parochial Church Council, said: “If we don’t raise the money we must then go into negotiation with English Heritage. There is a danger that if we don’t come to some agreement we will lose the grant altogether, but at this stage we are not thinking in those terms and we are trying to remain optimistic.”

The project was dealt a blow last week when fundraisers were told an application for a grant, which would have helped reach the £65,000 target and provided money towards the second stage of the work, had been unsuccessful.

The church, which has been repeatedly targeted by lead thieves, launched its appeal a year ago. Fundraising in the community has raised £18,000 and a further £10,000 in grants has already been secured.

Coun Huxley said: “It is a difficult time. A lot of trusts don’t have the money they had three years ago. However, we have been extremely touched by the support we have received from the local community. We are just hoping the Christmas spirit will strike and our prayers will be answered. Whatever the outcome the church will still go on. It just means the church roof will still be in a bad state.”

Visit haworthchurch.co.uk to donate to the restoration fund.