VILLAGERS celebrating a massive £127,000 grant to help save their Grade I listed church are now hoping to raise a final £12,000.

Residents in Terrington, outside Malton, had thought repairs to their church tower would cost £40,000. They were horrified when detailed estimates showed repairs would cost more like £175,000.

News that the project has received the £127,000 lottery grant has been met with delight in the village.

"There are only 350 people in this village and to expect them to cough up £40,000 is going it a bit," said church warden Peter Barber.

"We have been writing to grant-giving bodies, and last autumn we made an application to English Heritage.

"Their architect said that £40,000 would not go anywhere near the amount of work that needs to be done."

Terrington Church, which dates back to Saxon times, has a 15th century tower in urgent need of repair.

And there are hopes to fit modern facilities including a toilet into the church for visitors to use.

Dr Barber said the English Heritage Lottery money would be a huge help.

"It was a very nice present when we heard from English Heritage," he said.

The lottery cash is part dependent on villagers successfully reaching their £40,000 target, Dr Barber added. "The original appeal for that money is still ongoing despite the grant," he said.

Updated: 09:38 Saturday, March 01, 2003