A MAJOR fundraising campaign to raise £2 million to "repair, renovate and renew" St Thomas's Church in Salisbury was launched on Sunday.

The Quest 2020 appeal was unveiled to members of the church congregation and guests including the mayor of Salisbury, Cllr John Lindley, deputy mayor, Cllr Michael Osment and author and historian Tim Tatton-Brown at a special launch event.

The Reverend Kelvin Inglis, the rector of St Thomas’s and St Edmund’s parish, said: "St Thomas's is at the heart of the city of Salisbury. We are launching Quest 2020 in order to raise the funds to repair, renovate and restore the church so it can continue to serve future generations.

"As well as worship and valued use for concerts this is also a church that draws many, many tourists.

"Much of the work is essential but we also want to create more flexibility so we can better serve the needs of those who visit."

The major fundraising campaign is raising money for repair works to the church building, flooring and the Doom painting, which dates from 1470, as well as the restoration and cleaning of the ceilings to uncover the medieval paint, carved angels and memorials.

Money raised will also be used to buy new movable seating, the installation of more efficient heating and a modern lighting system, and improvements to the church's electrics and wiring.

The appeal is being led by The Guild of St Thomas and St Edmund with the aim of raising the money over the next two years. Art historian and television presenter Dan Cruickshank is a patron of the Guild.

The guild will work closely with the Parochial Church Council on the programme of works.

Various events including coffee mornings, concerts and a festival event will be taking place to boost funds for the appeal. Applications for grant funding will also be made.

Reverend Inglis said: "We need the wider communities help in order to continue what we believe is much valued work."

In 2020 St Thomas's Church celebrates 800 years of serving the community of Salisbury.

Information on how to donate to the Quest 2020 appeal is available from the church.