The congregation of St Mary’s Church in Walmer is celebrating after reaching the target for the appeal to repair the tower roof.

The £35,000 fundraising drive, backed by The Mercury, was launched last autumn and members of the appeal team have been running events, reaching out to the community, and applying for grants to fund the work.

The total has now been surpassed with the Rev Seth Cooper, vicar of Walmer, labelling it an “amazing achievement.”

He has joined members of the appeal team in thanking people who made donations, helped with events, and have been supportive of the project.

Jerry Swallow, team leader, said: “The response from our friends and neighbours across Walmer and beyond has been tremendous. We couldn’t have achieved it without them.

“The support from The Mercury has also been really helpful.”

The main supporting roof beam of the 19th century tower has rotted due to leaks.

Work to lift the roof and reinforce the beam will start in April and should be completed by the end of May.

Admiral of the Fleet and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, the Rt Hon, the Lord Boyce, congratulated the organisers.

He said: “What very good news. Many congratulations to the fundraisers. It is a magnificent achievement!”

As well as a church, St Mary’s is a community asset used for school services, band and carol concerts, children’s events and important family occasions such as baptisms and weddings.

In conjunction with the neighbouring Elizabeth House in St Mary’s Road, it also hosts art classes, a computer club, quilting group, Bible classes, youth group, coffee morning and many other meetings.

Looking ahead, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover, will lead the Sunday morning worship on Sunday, September 10, at a thanksgiving service marking both the appeal and the end of the construction work.

n For more information go to walmerparishchurches.org.