AN appeal has been launched by Hambledon residents to raise £40,000 a year to fund their own “live-in” vicar at St Peter’s Church.

Hambledon is a shared ministry and has not had a vicar since October 2017, due to the church house in the village, Mervil Bottom, requiring major repairs.

The house is rented from Guildford Diocese by St Peter’s and the team has negotiated an agreement that the rental would remain at one third for now to continue the ministry if residents are prepared to pledge money by monthly standing orders, annual payments and donations.

Appealing for help, St Peter’s treasurer Andy Dunn said: “To recruit a new vicar we need to demonstrate a commitment to carry on funding St Peter’s and meet the current £40,000 shortfall for the next five years.”

To pledge help, call 01428 482113 or e-mail [email protected].