LATEST donation takes the roof appeal of a 13th century church “one step closer” to reality.

Parishioners of Over and Nether Compton’s St Nicholas Church have been working hard to raise the £85,000 required to repair the north chapel roof tower of the Grade I listed building.

Homebuilder’s Persimmon Homes South West has now donated £1000 to the appeal as part of its community champion programme which supports groups working to improve the quality of life for local people.

Ursula Fleming, from PCC of Over with Nether Compton, said: “Our church is a real gem of the community and we’re thrilled that Persimmon has been able to take us one step closer to our ambitious target.

“By raising £85,000 we’ll make sure that future generations will be able to use the church as we are now. The village has been very supportive in fundraising efforts, and an appeal letter to all residents has raised over £15,000 so far."

“We’ve also raised funds through events such as the The Great Compton Bake Off and the Open Gardens event.”

The congregation has been creative with their fundraising efforts to date including a successful Great Compton Bake Off , duck racing, a pop-up bar and an open gardens event.

Nina Hester, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes South West, said: “Supporting good causes in the region is what Community Champions is all about.

“PCC of Over with Nether Compton will benefit from our donations and we’re pleased to see the good work that both charities are undertaking.

“As always it was a difficult decision to select our Community Champions but I would encourage any charity or organisation that missed out this time, even if they have won previously, to apply again.

“Community Champions has handed over £1million to good causes across the UK and it’s great to see so many charities and community groups benefitting.”

Organisations can apply for funding by completing a simple online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity