PARISHIONERS trying to raise half a million pounds to repair the leaking roof of Leominster Priory are now faced with forking out around £100,000 to repair the damaged church organ.

A Leominster Festival organ recital by Martin Hall on June 8 had to be cancelled after rainwater came through the top of the instrument, damaging the bellows and other leather and wooden parts.

Organist Vernon Thurgood said the organ, dating from the 1880s, was due for a major overhaul but the deluge created a host of fresh problems.

"The organ is not now up to recital standard - some notes are not working," he said.

Organ builder David Gallicham, who has cared for the Priory instrument for 27 years, will be able to make running repairs to keep it limping along until parishioners find money for major repairs.

Mr Gallicham said there was no avoiding the "huge undertaking" of a total rebuild, which would leave the church without its organ for about eight to 12 months.

"The Leominster Priory organ is normally one of the best in the region, it has an absolutely stunning sound and it can be restored to its full glory," he said.

Meanwhile, 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-I 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 the Friends of St Mary's Church has been launched to help achieve this goal.

Over £1,000 has already been raised by members of the Parochial Church Council.

An inaugural meeting 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.