A BBC presenter is spearheading an initiative to save the roof of a village's historic church which was first built in the 12th century.

Broadcaster Martha Kearney is launching a nationwide appeal for funds to rescue her village church of Wortham on Sunday, September 24 at St Mary the Virgin at 2pm.

Diss Mercury: Martha Kearney is a BBC presenter and journalistMartha Kearney is a BBC presenter and journalist (Image: Sarah Lee)

The presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and a long-time Wortham resident said: “St Mary’s is a unique church, boasting the largest round tower in the British Isles.

"The village community needs to raise £200,000 to repair its rotting roof and secure its future with a heritage and conservation plan.”

READ MORE: Archaeologists set to hunt for hidden staircase in historic city venue

 

Diss Mercury: The flint round tower at Wortham ChurchThe flint round tower at Wortham Church (Image: Annie Hirst)

READ MORE: Work begins to rethatch 15th century church roof after £80,000 raised

It was the Victorian rector the Rev Richard Cobbold who made Wortham famous with his paintings and writings about his village and congregation.

St Mary’s recently avoided the fate of having a massive electricity pylon for the proposed Norwich-Tilbury Power Line placed directly overhead.

A new website is being designed by the Friends of Wortham Church, and the appeal Village Tea Party is open to all, free of charge, to demonstrate support for a fundraising campaign that will be launched nationwide.

Diss Mercury: Wortham Church has the largest round tower in the country, fully ten metres acrossWortham Church has the largest round tower in the country, fully ten metres across (Image: Newsquest)Diss Mercury: Wortham Church near Diss Wortham Church near Diss (Image: Ben Heather)