Work has started on the £18,000 restoration of the organ at St Mary's Church, Newent.

The aim is to keep the church at the heart of community life with public concerts being considered after the restoration.

Expert Trevor Tipple, of Worcester, began work last week on the major renovation, the first on the organ since 1912.

The work is expected to take about three months and is being paid for in part by a £10,000 donation from the Friends of St Mary's.

The rector, Robert Simpson, said there was still £8,000 outstanding

"We're looking for grants and gifts to help pay for the rest," he said.

The organ at St Mary's is one of the oldest in the county and even pre-dates the one at Gloucester Cathedral. It was constructed in 1745, but was smaller than at present.

Mr Simpson said that "bits were added" during the Victorian period.

During its long life, the organ has also been moved around the church to various locations, starting at the back gallery in the 18th Century, moving to the Lady Chapel in Victorian times and arriving at its present location in the early 20th Century.

Mrs Simpson said, "Additions have included pedals, a swell box and extra pipes. Its last change was a renovation by Nicolson and Beard, in 1912.

"We are planning a major renovation with all the leather work being replaced and all the pipes cleaned. Also, some of the pipes, put in during 1912, will be replaced to give it a more original sound.

"The organ is regularly used in leading the singing as well as the piano and other instruments, such as brass, woodwind and strings. We have quite a little orchestra.

"The organ is an integral part of the worship of the church and we are looking forward to its return. When it's restored, we would like to have occasional concerts."