VILLAGERS in Damerham and surrounding communities have got behind an appeal to raise £10,000 to replace the church roof.

Lead was stolen from the bell tower of St George’s Church at some point after New Year’s Eve, when thieves climbed 35ft to reach it.

The lead had inscriptions on it dating back to the 18th century.

A crowdfunding appeal was started by the Reverend Leslie Player and has so far raised more than £4,500.

Reverend Player said the appeal has had a “positive” response from the community, adding: “It is going fantastically well. Obviously we have had a really positive response and are getting towards £5,000.”

“Because people have been so proactive and positive in their response to it it has taken quite a lot of the burden off our shoulders. The Church Council would otherwise be facing this alone. It would have been a major task to take on.”

John and Cathy Godber organised a fundraising soup lunch on Saturday, which was attended by about 150 people, and were delighted to raise more than £1,200.

They said: “It was hard work as the numbers were so much more than expected.”.

More still needs to be raised to help with the repairs. Next month, February 9 and 10, the church is hosting its annual snowdrop weekend, which will be in support of the roof appeal.

To donate to the church’s appeal, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/st-georges-roof