A CHURCH organ which is more than 100-years-old is being brought back to life thanks to a lottery grant.

The Heritage Lottery Fund gave St Peter's Church in Withington a £4,600 Sharing Heritage grant to restore its pipe organ, which was built in 1899 by Hereford-based firm Ingram & Co.

The congregation would like a young person to learn to play the organ, once the restoration work is complete.

Project leader Marcia Hopkins said: "It’s such an important part of the heritage of the village and we’ve had a huge amount of interest and support from local people who clearly want to see it working again."

Residents have also donated money in its sponsor an organ pipe appeal.

David Gallichan, who is undertaking the restoration work, said the pipes are of great quality but many of the working parts need repair or refurbishment.

The church is closed during restoration work but there will be a pop-up café for those interested in seeing the work first-hand and learn more about the craft of organ building.

The café will run into September on Thursday mornings from 9am to 12pm with cakes supplied by residents and the Moka Bar in Hereford.

An inaugural concert on the newly restored organ will be given by Liam Cartwright, director of music at All Saints Church, High Wycombe on September 24 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from Revd Paul Roberts on 01432 850484 or at the door.