ROSS residents have established a group which will help raise restoration funds for one of the town's most famous landmarks.

St Mary's Church, a Grade 1 listed building, requires essential repairs to its tower and spire. A church hall to provide meeting and kitchen facilities is also planned.

Around £1 million needs to be raised in order to fund this and so the Friends of St Mary's Church has been launched to help achieve their goal.

Over £1000 has already been raised by members of the Parochial Church Council.

A meeting to inaugurate the group was held at St Mary's when the needs of the church were explained and questions about the new group answered.

The main job now is to appoint a committee, which is likely to take place during the group's first general meeting next month.

The church's problems stem from a routine inspection of its famous spire back in January which showed significant defects.

An application to the Heritage Lottery Fund is due to be made in the coming weeks to help with funding efforts.