VILLAGERS in Heysham are rallying round to save their historic local church.

This year's village fair, to be held on Saturday, will be used to raise funds for 1,000 year old St Peter's Church, which is in dire need of repairs.

The Saxon porch, one of the oldest features in the building, has been closed since last Autumn and fears remain that the church may have to become a museum if it is to avoid falling in to disrepair.

But villagers hope Saturday's events will go some of the way towards raising the money needed to keep the church running. The fun starts when the Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster arrive at 11am and a procession, led by the Lancashire Red Rose Brass Band begins at 11.30am.

From 2.15pm tours of the village, lasting half an hour, take place and a variety of other events take place all day, offering something to suit all ages.

Many villagers will be getting in to the spirit of the day by wearing Georgian costumes, some of which are on hire from the Grand Theatre.

In the evening, an auction takes place in a specially constructed marquee on the rectory lawn. Catalogues cost £1.50 and include a glass of wine.

Items on sale include ferry tickets to Ireland, a signed pen from Tony Blair and signed pictures of William Hague and the cast of Coronation Street. All proceeds go to the church restoration fund.

One of the organisers, Barbara Langridge, said: "Everybody involved in organising the event is giving up their time and their talents for free to help save the church.

"We might not be able to make enough money to renovate the church on our own, but we are doing our bit to help."