WORSHIPPERS at a country church described as "a treasure in our village and our nation's heritage" have launched a major restoration appeal.

The congregation at St Paul's in Witherslack hopes to raise £400,000 to preserve the 17th century architectural gem for future generations.

As parish priest Rev Michael Woodcock told the Gazette, the inspiration for the appeal has come from the remarkable story of Dean Barwick, whose life and turbulent times included the beheading of King Charles I, the Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy.

The Witherslack farmer's son born in 1612 was "quite a character", said Rev Woodcock.

He managed the correspondence of both Charles I and Charles II, was imprisoned in the Tower of London for being a Royalist spy, and became Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London.

When he died in 1664 Dean John Barwick left money for a church and school to be built in the village where he grew up.

His brother Peter - a doctor who rose to be physician-in-ordinary to King Charles II - ensured his wishes were carried out, with St Paul's Church consecrated in 1671.

"The more I delve into it, the more excited I get about the story," said Mr Woodcock. "It's fascinating.

"Lots of people in Witherslack know the name Dean Barwick - we have the school and the Dean Barwick Trust - so it's known in the village but kind of forgotten in other ways."

The parish priest is hoping villagers will share the "adventurous" life story of their benefactor far and wide, to help publicise their bid to raise £400,000.

The "most pressing need" is to replace the crumbling, 50-year-old cement render on the church tower with proper lime render.

There are plans for a kitchenette and disabled toilet, as well as creating more space inside the church for visitors and special events by rearranging some pews.

"All that could cost anything between £150,000 and £200,000," said Mr Woodcock.

"We also need to re-render the rest of the church. It has the proper lime render but it was probably put on in 1768 so it's done 250 years. It just needs replacing so that bumps up the cost to approaching £400,000."

The church is a popular destination for historical societies thanks to its unusual interior which was redesigned at the start of King George III's reign - giving it a "Georgian, drawing room feel", said the parish priest.

"We want to tell that story and say this building is worth saving and worth restoring.

"With a lot of ancient buildings, very often you find every 100 years they need a major investment - we just happen to be hitting that time now.

"If this generation doesn't do it, it will gradually decay and become beyond reach."

As well as bids to major grant-making bodies, smaller village fundraising events are in the diary, starting with an early summer evening of traditional English music on Sunday, June 2.

Folk performers Kendal Revellers, Eskrigg and Adlib will be playing on the church green from 5.30pm, and people are invited to bring along a picnic. Following at 7pm will be a concert in at St Paul's Church, with prosecco and ice cream.

For tickets, call Witherslack Community Shop on 015395-52188 or email witherslackconcert@gmail.com

Meanwhile, if you would like to give to the restoration appeal, please send a cheque payable to "Witherslack PCC" to The Restoration Project c/o The Vicarage, Crosthwaite LA8 8HX.