FAITHFUL fundraisers in Dursley have collected a staggering £343,629 for the St James' Church Appeal.

Dedicated supporters of the appeal to renovate the 13th century church have come up with some unique ways of raising the cash needed for repairs over the last three years.

Wine tasting in the rectory, sign-a-tile for St James' roof, the Rev Janet Bromley behind the bar at the Old Spot pub and bistro nights are just some of the inventive ways parishioners have come up with to raise cash for the long-running appeal.

Their support has been unfailing and the work is set to continue for another two years as the church still needs £150,000 for improvements inside the church.

So far £230,000 has been spent replacing the roof and the next goal is to install a toilet, kitchen, storeroom and balcony.

Mrs Bromley said: "Fundraising always gets harder the further you go. But if you had have asked me back in 2005 if we would make this amount I would never have believed we would get this far.

"What we have achieved is amazing and we are more than happy with our progress.

"Also more people are getting involved - not just church-goers but other people from the community as well.

"We have an excellent relationship with the Old Spot, Steve the landlord has been tremendous raising money for the appeal. "Those who have organised sponsored walks, open gardens and all the smaller events that don't make the headlines are all very important to reaching our goal."

She added: "The congregation are absolutely fantastic, they are completely behind the appeal and the new plans for the church. St James' is such an enormous building in the centre of Dursley and it is used not just by church people, but by lots of members of the community as a quiet place to sit."

Fundraising continues with a New Burns Night' on Saturday. A piper, six course meal, champagne and canapes and port and cheese are included in the £25 ticket.

On February 9, Stroud MP David Drew will be the castaway choosing records on the St James' Dessert Island Discs', presented by Gazette editor Catherine Turnbull, and in the summer the church is planning a jazz event during the town festival week.