The next major phase of refurbishment work at Haworth Parish Church will require another sustained fundraising effort, according to the priest-in- charge.

The Reverend Peter Mayo-Smith said he hoped the momentum achieved by the appeal for the first phase of restoration work could be maintained.

He stressed that the church effectively belonged to everyone in the parish, not just people who regularly attended services there.

He explained that the ongoing drive to fund the renovation was seeking cash to replace the Victorian building’s north-facing roof. The church also needs a replacement heating system.

Mr Mayo-Smith said he roughly estimated the total cost of the new roofing and heating could come to about £250,000.

“This roof work won’t be quite as big a job as we had for the south side roof, as the church tower has been done now,” he said.

“And once it is finished it will make the building watertight again.

“The heating system we have at the moment is a gas boiler. I don’t know exactly how old it is, but it’s pretty ancient and is probably coming towards the end of its life. Also, it isn’t efficient and we’d like something more environmentally friendly.”

He said the completion of repairs to the south roof had already had a positive effect, and has protected the building from recent torrential rain.

“It’s been nice to be in the church and not have to put buckets out,” he said.

“We’re going to be meeting soon to start planning fundraising events such as concerts and other activities.

“We’ll be putting our thinking caps on.”

Donations to the renovation appeal can be made by sending cheques payable to Haworth Church Restoration Fund to c/o the treasurer, 17 North View Terrace, Haworth, BD22 8HJ.

People can also donate online via haworthchurch.co.uk.