MEMBERS of a York church are looking for more volunteers to take part in a fundraising event

The Rector of Huntington parish, Rev Ian Birkinshaw, is joining church family members to help raise funds for a building project at St Andrew’s in Huntington, and is encouraging members of the public to join in the event.

The church opened in 1913, and has been expanded over the years, but parishioners and volunteers have planned a redevelopment of the site since its centenary.

A spokeswoman for the church said volunteers were vital to the future of the church and their work was a key part of the community.

She said: “In addition to our Sunday and weekday services, they run various activities for children, young people and adults.

“Their Tots group has thrived for over 25 years and is always very busy. More recently, they have sought to meet the needs of adults, especially those who are lonely, through an afternoon ‘Cake and Company’ group. A new Kidz Klub, for primary age children on Tuesday evenings has recently been launched to complement groups already meeting for young people at secondary school.”

Among the plans to improve the church - which has already been renovated and had its kitchen updated by volunteers headed up by Keith Blanshard - are a new mezzanine floor, which is already under construction.

There will also be a new reception and office area, due to be complete later this summer, and a staircase to the mezzanine area, balustrading, plastering, electrical work, joinery and floor covering. Funding has been raised from local businesses including Portakabin, donations from church members, parish councils and grants, but the church is still looking at ways members can help raise money for the changes, with a young parishioner raising £400 through a sponsored bike ride, and a production of Godspell taking place next month. The spokeswoman said: “Fundraising events planned for this year include selling refreshments at St Crux in the city centre for two days, and a sponsored 20 mile challenge walk which has been organised by Annie Bednarski and Parish administrator Amanda Lawson.” The sponsored walk will set off from the Blue Bridge in York and take in four-mile sections of the River Foss, and volunteers are welcome to join the group at any point, with transport available back to All Saints at the end of each section. Entry costs £5 or £7 per family, but free if a sponsor form is used. Call 01904 768006, or 01904 764086.