A Grade I listed church needs to raise £40,000 to install a new heating system.

St Giles Church, on A35 in Chideock, is in need of an urgent update.

Volunteers aim to install a new system that will keep their congregation warm whilst also being cost effective.

The current heating equipment in the 14th Century church is reported to be more than 30 years old.

Churchwarden Val Hunt said: “We’re looking to go green, get rid of the gas and so we have been in contact with an eco-friendly firm to assist us.

"We’re hoping to raise £40,000 before winter. This will factor in the cost of the installation, and the removal of the old radiators and system- we can’t get the money ourselves."

Mrs Hunt went on to say that the cold weather last year forced the congregation out of the church and into the village hall.

Cold weather can also damage the church organ.

She said: “It’s been so expensive that we’ve had to turn the gas off as we could not afford it. We have ended up having to hold sessions in the village hall.”

According to the treasurer, Peter Hunt, it was cheaper by £420 a month to rent the village hall for sessions due to the costs. Heating cost the church £500 a month, but a room in the village hall is £80 a month to rent for four sermons.

“It’s a lot cheaper, but a lot of the congregation did not want to meet in the village hall, as it is not the church, but some come for the service,” Mrs Hunt added.

So far, volunteers have raised around £3,000 for the new heating system, with £1,000 of that being donated by the parish council.

According to Mr Hunt, the current system is uneconomical and needs changing.

He said: “It all takes time and money, and it is something that needs to be done. People come to church and almost expect to have to keep their coats on, but that shouldn’t be the case.”

Mr Hunt said it is part of a wider problem facing rural areas. He said: “Churches, despite being a registered charity, still have to pay business rates regarding energy, which costs more than properties.

“It’s an absolute disgrace but applies to all churches. Rural churches especially are falling off, due to an ageing population, and in the next 10 years I predict that half of the rural churches will be closed, not only due to the running costs, but the maintenance needs.

“I help look over 12 churches in the area and I would say that half of them are on their knees.

“We are dependent on fundraising as that is what keeps the wolves from the door."

The church also has to pay for the normal running of the church, which comes to more than £20,000 per year. This is funded by donations from the congregation and fundraising events. The church is also supported by The Friends Of St Giles and is asking the village for support.

Mr Hunt said: “People in Chideock are very proud of the church, and do a huge amount of voluntary work. Without volunteers, none of the churches in the area would survive.”

To donate to the church’s campaign, cheques can be made out to PCC of Chideock and sent to Mrs V Hunt, Longwood, Chideock Hill, Chideock, Bridport, DT6 6JW.

Alternatively, you can get in touch by emailing valhunt2015@gmail.com