Appealing for the congregation and the wider community to support a £110,000 fund-raising campaign for the restoration, Wyndham Rogers Coltman said: "The church, the parish centre and the churchyard should be a very important community facility for the whole community in a wider sense than worship.

"This project will enhance this facility for the community, so we can attract the finest musicians and choral singing."

He described the organ, which was first built in 1855 by the famous organ builder Harrison of Newcastle, as a 'marvellous instrument'.
Built to replace an earlier instrument, it originally stood in the gallery at the west end of the church. It was moved to its current location in a specially-built organ chamber in 1905 and had major refits in 1928 and 1963. However, due to lack of funds for maintenance, it deteriorated throughout the 1980s and, by the mid-1990s, quotes for restoration were as high as £300,000. Unable to raise that sort of money, the church installed a digital organ instead.

However, prompted by legacies to the organ fund and interest from organ builders, it was decided to look again at the organ two years ago. That process has led to a York company, Principal Pipe Organs, being awarded the contract, with work due to take place between Easter and Christmas 2010.

The target includes a sum to be set aside for maintenance, which should mean the restored instrument is good for 100 years.

Proposals for fund-raising so far include sponsorship of the 2000 organ pipes, a competition to see who can raise the most money from a £10 note, open gardens, art and flower festivals.

The Parish Church Trust, which is the fund-raising body for the appeal, is registered with internet search engine Everyclick.com, which donates a proportion of its profits for every search.
Anyone who is interested in helping with the appeal should contact Mr Rogers-Coltman at Berryburn, Ancroft, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 2TF.