A church congregation is making a final push in its fundraising bid.

St Laurence Church in Upwey needs to add a toilet and other visitor amenities, an expensive task which requires expert equipment because of the location of the graves.

Because of this, an extra £10,000 needs to be raised before work begins.

The church, which is 600 years old, currently has no sanitation or refreshment facilities. Without them, the church has limited use as a public building. To serve the community as it wishes, the church needs to reach basic modern public building standards.

As well as the toilet, the church wants to install a kitchenette and disabled toilet, to allow the building to be used more fully, for concerts and community activities as well as worship.

The work is due to begin in May, with fundraising led by Sally Pinhey.

She said: “Fundraising is going very well. We have 80 per cent of the funds needed, and we would like another £10,000 so we can the ground work while the weather is good.”

Vicar Reverend Philip Elliot said: “Discussion as to when we start the works are underway. We would prefer not to borrow money, so we think we will start later”.

“People are surprised with how we are done, and that’s a real asset to Sally for all her hard work.

“For some churches this can take 10 years, so we are doing very well.”

The church is not funded by a public body, instead relying purely on its parishioners for maintenance costs.

The last project at the church saw money raised through the parish to restore the windows at the church.

The church’s recent fundraising events, the January Jolly and a talk by Sam Foot, saw a total of £800 raised for the project fund.

Two more fundraising events have been organised.

On March 24 the church will be hosting a celebration of young musicians at the church, with all welcome to attend.

Then on April 22 the church will be hosting the Heart & Soul choir, who specialise in a mix of songs, gospel, folk, rock, world music and more.

For more information visit easyfundraising.org.uk and search St Laurence Upwey PCC or search for St Laurence Church Upwey on Facebook for up to date fundraising events.

To donate to the church, visit justgiving.com/stlaurence-upwey