AN international concert pianist mistaken for the mysterious 'Piano Man' is helping one of Burnley's oldest buildings to beat a funding crisis.

Swedish musician Martin Stursault will play at St Peter's Church on June 18 to raise cash for the building, which was forced to spend its reserves on emergency bell tower repairs last year.

Mr Stursault was a name put forward as the possible identity of the so-called 'Piano Man', who was found wandering in Kent earlier this month.

The mystery man was unable to communicate with police after he was found in a street in a soaked suit.

But when staff at Medway Maritime Hospital gave him a pen and paper to write his name, he drew a grand piano. He then stunned carers with a virtuoso classical performance, leading to the nickname 'Piano Man'.

St Peter's, which dates back to the 12th Century, will stage the concert to build up its reserves after having to spend £60,000 replacing the tower pinnacles and parapet.

English Heritage rejected an application to fund the project, which left the church broke.

An on-going appeal has helped claw back around £36,000 but £24,000 is still needed.

David Smith, secretary of St Peter's, said: "It was essential we carried out the repairs to the tower as it was becoming dangerous.

"But the work has left us without any reserves and we need to build those back up to get us back on a good financial footing.

Without reserves if any other work needed doing we would be stuck.

"Martin Stursault is an internationally-renowned pianist who people thought could have been 'Piano Man'. We are lucky to have him playing at the church."

The piano recital will be in the church, in conjunction with the Burnley and Pendle Music Society, at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 18. Tickets are £8, £1 concession, from David Smith on 01282 413120, Derek Haslam on 1282 866835 or John Singleton on 01282 616294.