WITH work having begun on the first phase of the project to save Evesham's iconic Bell Tower raising money to pay for the scheme is more important than ever.

The campaign group behind the project, the Bell Tower Appeal, needs to raise £500,000 to repair and preserve the 16th century building.

So far £81,000 has been secured from kind hearted donations and grants from organisations.

But there is still a way to go and with a wide variety of events taking place in support of the campaign the appeal group is urging people to get involved.

The next event in aid of the Tower is the Brass, Pipes and Drums concert by the Avonbank Brass Band and Cheltenham Scottish Pipe Band on Friday, May 30, at 7.30pm at the Evesham Arts Centre.

Tickets for this are £15 and available from The Almonry, eveshamartscentre.co.uk, or from Sue Ablett on 0787 1285606 or sueablett1@btinternet.com.

The following weekend there will be a chance for anyone interested in the history of World War One to enjoy a lecture by historian, Dr Nick Lloyd, while raising money for the appeal.

The talk will take place at All Saints Church on Saturday, June 7, from 7.30pm and tickets, at £5, can be bought from The Almonry, All Saints Church Office, Dr Sue Ablett or at the door of the event.

There will be a complete contrast on the Sunday (June 8) when The Lygonian Singers and Guests present American Medley, an evening of popular music and song.

The concert takes place at St Lawrence’s Church, starting at 7pm. Tickets, costing £10, can be purchased from the Almonry, Dr Ablett, Alan Bees on 01386 443558 or at the event.

Also on Sunday there will be a store collection in at Morrisons.

Appeal committee chairman Dr Ablett said they hoped people would support the campaign and attend the events.

She added: "We are hugely grateful to the band of willing volunteers who help us man these collections."