A derelict county church which served a community for more than 700 years could be saved by a group of villagers.

Avenbury residents are to launch a bid to save the Church of St. Mary, which has fallen into ruin after seven decades of neglect.

They have set up a Trust in a bid to attract investment, as Avenbury Parish Council does not have the funds to buy the structure outright.

The Hereford Times recently highlighted the sorry state of the part-Grade II listed church, pointing out its place on the buildings at risk register.

Described by English Heritage as "completely ruinous", the church closed its doors in 1932 and is in danger of falling down.

The roof has gone, two side walls are collapsing, and the grounds are covered in 70 years of undergrowth.

The reputedly haunted building could make an ambitious housing project.

Owner Leszek Skuriat decided to sell up in May but strict covenants forbid turning the 13th century structure into a property.

But those guidelines could benefit the Avenbury Church Trust, which is campaigning to save the church and graveyard for local posterity.

Heading the campaign is Herefordshire Councillor, Bernard Hunt, who is looking for potential Trust members following the group's first meeting.

"It would be for the posterity of the parish and district, with the idea being to clean it up and preserve it," said coun Hunt. "We're now looking how to obtain grants and we're drawing up a shortlist of people we believe we believe will be interested."

The Bromyard Local History Society could also help out, while advice from financial experts and Herefordshire Council is being sought. A Vice Chairman, Gill Churchill, has been appointed, but the Trust ideally needs 6-10 volunteers, including a clerk and treasurer, to push the scheme forward.

If anyone would like to help out, contact the Avenbury Church Trust, Chairman Bernard Hunt at c/o Bromyard Centre, Cruxwell Street, Bromyard, HR7 4EB. Alternatively, phone 01885 482702 or email bhunt@herefordshire.gov.uk