A campaign to raise more than £50,000 to restore a century-old church organ is gathering force after a charity trust pledged £10,000 towards the appeal.

Ron Poole, who is spearheading the campaign to save the Binns organ at St Paul’s Church in Kirkgate, Shipley, said campaigners were “delighted” to have been promised the money.

It will come from the Lancashire-based John Pilling Trust and will be used to restore the organ and preserve an important part of the town’s heritage.

Shipley MP Philip Davies has also given his support to the appeal and a series of seven fundraising concerts has been organised for the New Year.

Mr Poole, of Low Wood, Wilsden, who is the assistant organist at the church, said: “We are delighted with the £10,000 from the Pilling trust. It has kick-started the appeal and has been very, very useful in lifting its profile.”

The ten-tonne oak-and-leather organ was built in 1892 by J Binns of Leeds and has been recognised as of “historical interest” by the British Institute of Organ Studies (BIOS).

Church leaders decided to restore it more than a decade ago, but because of more urgent repairs at the church the idea was shelved.

Now, a working party has been set up to co-ordinate the fundraising and prevent any further deterioration. Interim repairs have now been carried out by Huddersfield-based David Wood.

Mr Poole, 65, said he was “confident” enough money would be made available over the next few years to save it for future generations.

He said: “It is a big exercise and we have got to get reports from everybody but we are confident we will be able to get it done.”

Mr Davies said: “This is an important part of our heritage and with the credit crunch and the fact that so much Lottery money is being diverted to the Olympics, it is becoming harder and harder to raise money for worthwhile projects like this.

“I certainly do support them and will do anything I can to help in their appeal.”

e-mail: marc.meneaud@telegraphandargus.co.uk