A CHARITY to help mainten and improve a village church has been launched at a garden party in Warcop.

The Friends of St Columba's has been set up by local people to support the Grade 1 listed building and ensure it remains an active part of the local community.

Last year the church's future was in doubt after fears that the dwindling congregation could not support the repair, maintenance and improvements needed at St Columba's Church. But, following a survey of residents in the parish, it emerged that there was strong support for keeping the church open.

The church at Warcop is one for the few remaining in the country which holds an annual rushbearing. Each year on St Peter's day, flower-crowned girls and boys with rush crosses parade through the village to the church.

The church has 15th century roof beams over a 13th century chancel arch and transept arches, creating a fine interior space.

Trustee of the newly-formed Friends of St Columba's Mark Blackett-Ord opened up his home at Warcop Hall to host the traditional English garden party to launch the charity and raise the profile of its work.

Mr Blackett-Ord said: "Because the church is financed by a small congregation we were looking at ways and ideas of getting local people more widely involved to join up and become friends' and support the church. It is the same principle that many small, village schools have, where an independent charitable trust helps support them.

"About a year ago there were thoughts of closing the church, due to lack of support, but when a questionnaire asked local people what they thought the people of the parish were against this. The Friends of St Columba's is reaching out to people who don't go to church for their support. Maybe people who have moved away, or have family connections with the area would like to become a friend' and help. Anyone interested can contact the trustees, care of Warcop Hall, for an application form.

"The cost of the PCC of maintaining this important building has cast its future into some doubt. The Friends are resolved to assist in its preservation with financial and other encouragement. Any person or group of persons may become a Friend, and receive its newsletter, provided that they agree to pay an annual donation of £10, or more if possible, and fill in the application form.

"The Garden Party is partly a fund-raising event, but more about raising the profile of The Friends of St Columba's, so we are able to show bodies who are giving grants that there is local support for the church.

"We have recently applied to English heritage for a grant to carry out repairs and make the church more comfortable. Like many churches, St Columba's is in need of repair and improvement."

With wellie-throwing competitions, plant stalls, games and afternoon tea, the Warcop Garden Party attracted a wide range of local people to Warcop Hall.