Fundraisers need a high five as a £32,000 campaign to repair a crumbling 181-year-old tower at a North Farnham church needs a final push.

The congregation at St John’s in Hale deserve plenty of praise as they’ve raised £27,000 towards the figure through donations, fundraising event and grants.

But as the work is urgent and a stonemason is available in mid-September, the church needs to find the final £5,500 in time to pay the bill.

The church was opened in 1844 and was designed by Benjamin Ferrey, a pupil of the famous architect Pugin.

It looks older than many Victorian churches as it is in the Romanesque style which dominated church architecture in the 11th to 12th century. It was extended in 1897 to accommodate a growing congregation following the expansion of Aldershot as a garrison town.

Rev’d Lexi Russell, rector of the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale hailed an incredible effort from everyone involved.

She said: “The community has come together with creative ways to raise the funds to repair the tower of our beautiful church.

“We are now on the home stretch, with one final push to reach our goal before mid-September. St John’s has stood as a beacon of hope on Hale Road for generations, and with your continued support, we can ensure it remains so for generations to come.”

The parish has received grants from Farnham Town Council, the Church of England, Marshall’s Charity, the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust and Benefact Trust, and has fundraised through events such as the recent Pugs and Prejudice.

Donations from generous individuals mean there is almost enough to repair a feature which has been part of the Hale landscape for almost 200 years.

To donate to tower fund, contact Revd Russell on 07792 233477 or email [email protected]