Rare tours of Shrewsbury church tower to aid revamp fund

People will be given the rare chance to enjoy breathtaking views from the top of one of Shrewsbury's best-known churches as part of its restoration campaign.

Officials at St Chad's are offering guided tours of its tower to raise cash for the ongoing work. It is the first time members of the public have been allowed to climb the tower and church leaders have promised spectacular views.

John Patrick, chairman of the Friends of St Chad's, said: "It is the first time that people will be able to look out from the church roof. I went up there myself in glorious sunshine and it looked as though you could pluck The Wrekin and put it into your pocket.

"There are also great views of the Stretton Hills and the Long Mynd. It is simply wonderful."

A trip up the tower will cost £18 per person and visitors will be provided with hard hats and high visibility jackets. Church leaders have also advised visitors to wear sturdy shoes for the climb.

One tour will take place every day until May 24, with a full day's worth on May 26.

To date the Friends of St Chad's have handed over £72,000 to the campaign to restore the Grade I listed Georgian building.

The money is the culmination of three years of fundraising on behalf of the St Chad's Campaign, which is seeking £2.5 million for urgent work to conserve the church tower and repair long-term damage to the lead, stonework and bricks caused by the weather.

Building work is currently under way on the tower. A talk on Georgian Shrewsbury by former Shrewsbury Chronicle editor John Butterworth will take place at St Chad's on Monday at 7pm to raise funds for the campaign. Tickets cost £10. Details on (01743) 249303.