ONE of the oldest churches in Pembrokeshire could be forced to close if a £14,000 funding appeal fails.

St Florence Church, which dates back to the 12th century, needs urgent repairs to its tower.

A Heritage Lottery Fund grant of over £115,000 has been secured for the Grade II Listed building, but the money will only be released when a community contribution is in place.

The appeal has had a great response in its first week, with over £2,250 raised, but the final total needs to be in place by September.

Said the vicar, the Rev. Alex Grace: "It's a wonderful church - the history and heritage are just amazing, and we need to protect that for future generations.

"The church tower is in desperate need of further repairs, because when it rains, water comes pouring in. Some coping stones are loose or missing and it needs to be repointed.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund grant is in place but it requires a £14,000 contribution, as well as for us to demonstrate that the church is important to the life of the community.

"So as well as the work to the tower, we are also going to create a community area with tables and chairs within an accessible space for events and meetings."

Fundraising events, including a concert and a dog show, are in the pipeline and an appeal is also being made for volunteers to join the committee to help run the grant project.

Donations to the appeal may be made via the St Florence Church page on JustGiving, or for more information, see the St Florence Church Facebook page or the church noticeboard.