A PARISH church that has been serving the Leigh community since at least the 13th century is in danger of closing.

St Mary the Virgin Leigh Parish Church has been left in a financial crisis following a £100,000 repair bill for the lead that was stolen from its roof in a series of thefts in the summer.

With attendance figures having dropped the Rev Kevin Crinks says that if the grade II listed building is to stay open it needs to evolve so that it better serves the community.

A Visionary Day emergency meeting at the St Mary’s Way church is taking place on Saturday to seek residents' views and ideas on the best way forward.

Mr Crinks said: “The church has always been in the centre of Leigh's community but now it is in danger of closing.

“We are struggling for numbers and don't receive any funding from national church authorities.

"The church costs about £2,000 a week to maintain and with the £100,000 repair bill all its savings have gone.

"We are looking at new ways of boxing clever to serve the community better and keep the church going.

“We are open to most ideas in terms of how the church can evolve and what we can do for funding.

"We want to be a focal point for the community and use the current situation we are in as a catalyst for positive, lasting change.

"This is not just to benefit the church but Leigh as a whole."

The emergency meeting will take place from 10am to 1pm. All parishioners and residents are invited to attend.

Mr Crinks added: "This is an opportunity for the community of Leigh to pop in, enjoy a brew and have a say in what we do.

"As little as 15 minutes of your time could make a massive difference.

"We need to find better ways to engage with the community so that we can be a relevant space for everyone.

"Transforming the church into a community space will mean we can have our doors open more often and host regular events focused on meeting the needs of the community we serve.

"There is a big age range we want to target. We are looking at running pensioners' groups to get elderly people out of the house and a crafts group for toddlers."

The church was mentioned in documents in the 13th century but the date of its foundation is uncertain.

It was rebuilt into its current state between 1871 and 1873.

The side of the roof damaged by the lead thefts is positioned above the church's Harrison and Harrison organ, which has been granted a grade II Historic Organ Certificate.

This increases the importance of fully repairing the roof as soon as possible to prevent irreversible rain damage.

Mr Crinks said: “Five years ago we had between 80 to 100 people coming for services, but now we only have about 60.

“You have to look at the positives and take stock and in some way start again.

"It's not just the religious guidance you get from church, it's the sense of community.

"The church has been important to a lot of people for such a long time and we need to keep it going."

For more information about how you can add your voice to what should lie ahead for the church contact Mr Crinks on 01942 603603.

To make a donation to the church visit gofundme.com/st-marys-leigh-parish-church.