A major campaign has been launched in Raglan to raise £190,000 to replace the roof of the village's historic church.

St Cadoc's Church is a Grade II listed building and is situated in a conservation area.

It plays an active role in the community, not only as a centre for worship with close links to Raglan VC School but also as a community facility for Raglan and the surrounding area.

It also plays host to a wide range of groups offering a venue for concerts, recitals and talks as well as social events.

The first church in Raglan was constructed in the 6th century. Alterations since then include 15th century work and partial restoration in 1698 (after damage during the Civil war) and a Victorian restoration and enlargement in the 1860s.

Every five years churches have to be inspected by surveyors to establish their general condition and provide a written report for consideration by the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

St Cadoc's Quinquennial Inspection was brought forward to June 2013 and the report made it clear that the entire roof should be replaced within 18 months along with other works to the fabric of the Church. It also recommended a selection of works to be undertaken within six months and some within five years.

The repairs project will also include improving the facilities within the church by providing a kitchenette and internal toilets to contribute to the overall community facilities for Raglan and the surrounding area.

Early estimates indicate that the PCC will need to raise around £190,000 in addition to grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other appropriate charities. PCC has already formed a fund raising committee to seek grants and develop strategies aimed at raising funds from a wider national and international arena.

Currently an initial grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund is being prepared along with preliminary applications to various grant funding bodies and charities.

You can donate to the committee's Raise the Roof Campaign on the Raglan website at raglan-parishes.org.uk/ or follow the project on Twitter @RaglanRoof .