HAWKSHEAD'S Bell Tower Fund is set to be boosted by support from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

A total of £115,000 is needed to fix the roof and water damaged walls of St Michael and all Angels Parish Church.

To help the fundraising efforts, the Co-op has agreed to donate a percentage of shoppers' spend to the cause.

Customers must go online with their membership card and nominate the fund as their preferred local charity.

One per cent of every spend with their card on Co-op own brand goods will then go to the fund and proceeds from the sale of carrier bags will also be donated.

Fundraiser Dawn Bonham said she was thrilled with the news.

"The target of £70,000, initially set has actually been reached," she said. "But unfortunately in the two years since that target was set, costs have increased and we still need to raise more funds. Work on the tower will hopefully start in the Spring of 2018, but we will continue to fundraise through the year."

The support goes on for 11 months until October 2018 and Ms Bonham said that it will make 'a big difference'.

She added that she was grateful for all the community support which had helped the tower reach £87,000 so far.

As well as applying for grants from organisations like the Heritage Lottery Fund and holding various charity events, the group has also benefitted from a generous £15,000 donation from a a group of Mormon missionaries.

To keep up to date with the fundraising efforts, visit https://www.facebook.com/hawksheadbelltowerfund/