LYME Regis Organ Appeal has raised over �250,000 since it was launched over two years ago. The target was set at �275,000 to install a new pipe organ in the parish church but because of inflation, another �100,000 could be needed to complete the appeal.

LYME Regis Organ Appeal has raised over �250,000 since it was launched over two years ago.

The target was set at �275,000 to install a new pipe organ in the parish church but because of inflation, another �100,000 could be needed to complete the appeal.

Chairman of the appeal, Andrew Nicholson, said: "This is a major project for a town like Lyme Regis and it is great news that the end is now in sight.

"The new instrument will be a major asset to Lyme and with normal maintenance might be expected to serve the town for at least 100 years."

Volunteers will be rebuilding the central portion of the gallery. Appeal members are calling on help from skilled carpenters, joiners and electricians, and also for people to help unload the organ.

Mr Nicholson added: "The gallery was built in 1611 by local craftsmen and it would be wonderful to think that the work we do now may well still be there for others to see in another 400 years."

Construction of the new organ is now under way at a factory in Slovenia. The old organ should be dismantled on Easter Monday, April 13.

The new organ will arrive in Lyme Regis by lorry on September 22 and will take around two weeks to assemble. It will be ready for the 2009 Christmas services.

Bishop David, The Lord Bishop of Salisbury, will dedicate the new organ on February 7 2010. The opening recital will be performed on February 8, by world famous organist Philip Scriven, organist and Master of the Choristers at Lichfield Cathedral.