FUNDRAISERS are hoping the Northwich community will come out in force to support a cash strapped church that was targeted by vandals.

As reported in last week's Guardian, thugs destroyed a £7,000 lift for disabled people at Holy Trinity Church just three months after it was installed.

Now the committee at the Castle church is hoping people will show their support by joining them at the annual summer fair next weekend.

Fundraising chairman Steve Lovett said: "The fair is an annual event to raise money for church funds and although it has not been organised in light of the vandalism, the repair money will have to come from that pot.

"As with all churches we've got to keep the funds going because if we don't then we will have to close.

"In view of what has happened to us recently it would be nice for people to support us."

Church warden John Shallcross said the matter in now in the hands of the church's insurers.

He said: "We're in limbo at the minute waiting for the insurance assessor who tells us what security measures to put in place before they will pay out.

"The feeling of the diocese is that we should have a porch but there are issues with that. We've had a rough estimate and that could cost between £5,000 and £6,000. Then there is the matter of the church being a Grade II listed building."

He added: "We're determined to carry on though and people are being supportive already - my neighbour gave me £20 towards the funds when he read about it."

The summer fair will take place at the church, in Waterloo Road, from 2pm on Saturday, June 17.

Admission is 50p for adults, free for children, and there will be a tombola, various stalls and games.