A BID for National Lottery funding is being considered by the Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist Church, Eastnor, to pay for repairs to the historic building.

The Victorians rebuilt the medieval church in 1852, but it still has its original 14th Century tower which gives it Grade I listed status.

PCC treasurer Roz Jarrett said of the appeal: "If we could find the money to do it all, we would spend £185,000."

The appeal has already received a £13,000 windfall from the Heritage Lottery Fund, money that might be used for repairs to the leaking roof.

But Mrs Jarrett said: "We might apply for Lottery funding again. It is being talked about and there's nothing to stop us. It's something we could do in the future."

The Historic Churches Trust has given £5,000 to the appeal in the past and Mrs Jarrett said it might also be approached again for a further contribution.

Tenders have just gone out to improve the heating system at a cost of around £18,000.

Mrs Jarrett said: "We have faculty permission from the Church of England so we can go ahead. We hoped to install the heating last winter but it didn't materialise.

"The heating should be in place by this winter. It's an exceptionally cold church."

The condition of the church organ is also causing the PCC some concerns. Mrs Jarrett said: "It just needs a general overhaul. It won't be cheap."

Until experts have looked at the instrument, the PCC is not certain how much this will cost.

Another aim is to have toilets and kitchens installed.

To keep the ball rolling, the PCC has organised a fundraising pate and punch evening to take place in the church itself, on Saturday, June 3, from 7.30pm.