AN “ICONIC” church is appealing to the good will of the community to help raise cash to pay for urgent repairs.

St Augustine's Church in Southborough Lane, Bromley, needs £75,000 to carry out refurbishments to its flat roofs, windows and drain pipes.

The fundraising campaign is being launched in what is the parish’s centenary year, with events planned including a jazz picnic at the church at 6.30pm on June 11 and a summer fete from 12 noon to 3pm on June 18.

The Rev Canon Katrina Barnes said: “The repairs are to ensure the building is fit for purpose for the next 50 to 100 years.

“Our problem is that unlike a lot of church buildings, we’re not grade listed.

“If we were we’d qualify for grants.

“We might be an iconic building but we’re not listed.”

The church was built in 1957 with bricks paid for by the congregation at six pence a brick, including Geoff Davison, who lives in nearby Blackbrook Lane.

Mr Davison, 88, said: “I’ve been a member of the church ever since I came to live here and it means a lot to me. I’ll certainly be donating money this time.”

Mrs Barnes said: “This church has been here for the parish for more than 50 years. Lots of people have fond memories of it. They may have been baptised or married here.

“The church still plays an important part in the lives of people in the area.

“We hope they can help us to make sure the building is maintained.”

For information about fundraising events and to donate call the parish office on 020 8295 1550.