St Germans' Priory appeal launched
Work is under way to save a church in south east Cornwall that has been the site of Christian worship since the 9th Century.
Two years ago the priory at St Germans could not afford repairs or modernisation and was facing closure.
However, local people at St Germans have now formed a trust to raise funds to improve and save it.
They want to turn the building into a community centre as well as retaining it as a place of worship.
The trustees are hoping to raise about £3m from organisations like the Heritage Lottery Fund, with fundraising starting in January.
The new trust will take on the responsibility for making improvements to the building including the addition of heating, better lighting and other modern facilities for worshippers and local school children.
The Right Reverend Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro, said: "I am very grateful to all those who are working so hard to try and ensure a sustainable future for this internationally important building.
"I hope and pray the trust is successful in its work, and will do all I can to support it."
Reverend Michael Goodland, the priest at the priory, said: "There is no purpose in having this building unless it's a church for worship. It just becomes a barn and an embarrassment for everybody."