CHURCHES and shooting on a Sunday are not concepts that usually come together.

But a shoot is the latest move in a bid to save two historic old churches near Tenbury.

The future of the two churches which have nearly 2,000 years of worship between them hangs in the balance but people living in the hamlets will not let them die without a fight.

Earlier this year, following a public meeting, a group was formed to help save these old buildings and the latest fundraising venture will be a clay pigeon and laser shoot.

Falling congregations mean that the churches at Nash and Boraston are facing the prospect of closure.

The cost of the upkeep of both buildings is proving a major headache and with the number of people attending the two churches is down to little more than double figures

St John’s church in Nash dates back to the 14th century and the church at Boraston is even older. Both of the churches are listed buildings.

A handful of worshippers have done their best over the past 700 years to keep the two churches viable.

The problem is that older people living locally who attended the churches have died and both buildings have been hit by the reduction in people regularly going to church. This resulted in a situation in which at both Boraston and Nash regular numbers have been in single figures.

However, both beautiful old buildings remain popular for set-piece events like weddings, christenings and burials as well as for services at Christmas and Easter.

There was a campaign to raise funds last year but this did not bring in enough money for the day-to-day upkeep, never mind some major repairs that are needed.

Following a public meeting at the end of March, it was decided to make a major attempt to save the churches and events have been held, including a flower festival in the summer.

At Nash, it will be necessary to undertake repairs to the spire and north aisle that will bring with it a bill for an estimated £100,000. At Boraston church, work is needed to be done on the chancel walls.

It is possible the bids could be made for lottery funding but there would need to be two separate applications and the rules mean that even if successful parishioners would need to stump up 10 per cent that would run into five figures.

The Clay Pigeon and Laser Pigeon Shoot is at Boraston Village Hall on Sunday at 11am. There will be a barbeque and refreshments and prizes for the best shots.

Local solar panel firm SunRG is sponsoring the event along with the Peacock Inn.

Competitors must bring their own shot gun licences and the cost for laser clays is £5 for 50 clays. The clay shoot is £20 for 40 clays and 50 laser shots.

People can pre-book and get a discount by calling 01584 811474. More information is also available by email: rae.lesleymorgan@gmail.com