A PLAQUE commemorating those who helped raise funds to support St James' church in Audlem has been installed.

St James' church has stood since the 13th century and has required continued work since then to keep the building in good condition.

To raise money for the continued upkeep of the building, Audlem resident Ralph Warburton launched an appeal towards the end of 2019, with residents paying money to have their name on a plaque to be installed in the church.

The money raised then went to the church's continued upkeep.

The appeal was stopped in its tracks by the Covid-19 pandemic but resumed in July last year.

Despite the hold-up, the appeal was incredibly successful, with more than 60 families donating to the cause.

Another Covid-enforced lockdown meant there was a delay in procuring the plaque, but it has now been installed in church, much to Ralph's jubilation.

He said: "Many moons ago I presented to the community an appeal for funds to help in the repairs to the fabric of our iconic church, standing here, as it has done since the end of the 13th century.

"The first vicar is listed therein as being one Richard Randolph, who was most likely a Norman vicar in 1311.

"The list of Vicars is there for all to see, right up the year 2020.

"I have assisted the best sign writer of all Cheshire and Staffordshire, Martyn King, in the adding of Reverend Alison Fulford, who was appointed vicar on December 3, 2020 – beautifully written, in keeping with past entries.

"And after all the months since September 2019, the display of those who gave so generously is now finally in place, with their names recorded on plaques now affixed to the wall as you enter.

"Some £10,000 plus was realised from this appeal and is a prime example of the good works that take place in our communities."