A vicar says he would rather pay off his church's debts than spend money on having its rusty clock face restored.

The Reverend Chris Morris, vicar of St Peter's Parish Church, Rawdon, admits the church clock does need refurbishing and money for the work is coming in but he said: "We have to pay our church debts and the church clock is minor to me at the moment."

Mr Morris said the total cost of the work on the clock is £3,000 and once the money has been raised then repairs would begin.

"Money is coming in and nearly £400 has been raised and Councillor Brian Cleasby, a Leeds City Councillor who lives in Rawdon, has offered to match the amount we can raise locally from parishioners which means that we need donations totalling £1,500 from well wishers," he said.

He added: "Church members are also being asked to meet the debt we owe of £50,000, so I am afraid that any restoration of the clock must come from the local community or from those who are thinking of getting married at St Peter's.

"Is the church clock a focal part of our village community or not? If it is then please respond to the appeal. If not then the clock will deteriorate."

Last year a Rawdon bride said she would not look at the rusty clock as she walked into church for her wedding.

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