ONE of Malvern's landmark churches is appealing for help to buy a new boiler to power its heating system.

The existing boiler at Christ Church, Avenue Road, needs to be replaced at a cost of £18,000.

The church, which is also a popular concert venue, has been given £7,000 by the Severn Waste/Welcome to our Future grant scheme and has raised another £1,000, but it needs to raise the rest of the cost.

Canon Harold Goddard of the church said: "Christ Church can be very cold in the depths of winter. Worshippers and concert-goers feel the cold badly, so we really do need an efficient boiler."

He is appealing for supporters to make donations, to suggest fundraising events or to make fixed-term interest-free loans.

He said: "Our boiler needs replacing before the next winter and we need to commission the work in July ."

The church is already having to raise £215,000 for repairs to the roof, which has not been replaced since it was first built in 1875.

Anyone who can support the boiler appeal should contact Angela Green on 07756 722426.