A FUND-raising appeal has been boosted by news that the Earl of Plymouth has agreed to act as patron.

St Paul’s Church in Knowbury, is raising £75,000 for roof and organ repairs and internal decoration.

“We are delighted Lord Plymouth has agreed to be patron of our restoration appeal”, said team vicar Fr Richard Green. “This has got our preparations for launching the appeal off to a great start. It is particularly nice given Lord Plymouth’s family connection with St Paul’s.”

When St Paul’s was built in 1840, the present Earl’s grandfather, the Hon Robert Windsor-Clive, gave the land for the new church, the churchyard, the vicarage, and glebe, as well as the stone used in the church and vicarage, the oak for the church, and £100. The Hon Robert Windsor-Clive was created the first Earl of Plymouth in 1905. The present Earl lives in Bromfield, near Ludlow.

The appeal will be launched at the church by the Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, on Saturday at 11.30am. The launch will form part of a gift day, when Fr Green will be present in St Paul’s from 10am-4pm, and parishioners are invited to bring a gift for the appeal.

On Sunday, Rev Ian Williams, vicar of Knowbury from 1975- 1979, will return to preach at a service for St Paul’s Day.