BIG-HEARTED members of the public are being asked to dig deep and help fund vital repairs at an historic Pensnett church, known as the 'Cathedral of the Black Country.

St Mark's Church is celebrating its 167th anniversary on Sunday September 25 but its historic stonework has begun crumbling and restoration work is now underway.

However - the work, around the Rose Window, is set to leave the church with a hefty £33,000 repair bill so priest in charge Reverend Sue Oliver is holding a gift day on the anniversary date to encourage generous parishioners and members of the public to donate towards the cause.

She said: “The costs of the repair are greater than our existing expectations - and we need funds for that repair and our other expenses. Therefore we are asking the local community to help us."

The gift day will kick off at 9am on Sunday (September 25) with a short, informal family-friendly service followed by breakfast and the main church service - starting at 10.30am. The church will then remain open throughout the day, which will finish with a Songs of Praise Service at 4pm.

Rev Oliver said: "We hope people will feel welcome to come to the church, either to one of our services or in the gaps and hand in donations great and small - everything will help."

Scaffolding is expected to be up for about 12 weeks around the picturesque church, off Vicarage Lane, which remains open for services and functions including weddings.