FUNDRAISING for the restoration of a 'hidden piece' of Workington history has been launched - and it's already hitting all the right notes.

Around 80 people turned out to Our Lady & St Michael's Church at Banklands, Workington for the 'Pedals, Pipes and Pizza' event on Saturday, October 5, kicking off a major £200,000 fundraising campaign to restore the building's historic organ.

Speaker Mike Town, Organ Adviser Carlisle Diocese.Speaker Mike Town, Organ Adviser Carlisle Diocese. (Image: Jim Davis) The fundraising drive aims to raise £200,000 to restore and breathe new life into the church's wonderful Grade II listed Hill Pipe Organ.

It is now in need of urgent repair to be restored to its former glory, otherwise the church say it will be lost forever.

Sebastian Hawley-McGee aged 5 from Workington.Sebastian Hawley-McGee aged 5 from Workington. (Image: Jim Davis) The group estimate that around £3,000 has so far been raised for the project, but there is still a long way to go, with a call being made to anyone who may have had special memories within the church to donate and be part of saving the historic instrument.

Audience, listening to Mike Town.Audience, listening to Mike Town. (Image: Jim Davis)

Following the event, Ann Diamond, secretary of the Fundraising Restoration Group said: "I found it very positive. It was really interesting from Mike Town on how unique our organ is in the talk at the beginning and what I really found heartening was that everybody wanted to go up and have a look.

Keith Beattie, Chairman of The Organ Restoration GroupKeith Beattie, Chairman of The Organ Restoration Group (Image: Jim Davis)

"We had some young families there which is amazing that they were showing an interest. Sometimes you find that people think organ music is a niche, so it was really positive.

"People were donating on the day but a lot of people took the forms to complete for themselves and then on Sunday father mentioned it in the pulpit and a lot of people came and took the forms away.

"So I think there is a real passion to keep it. However 200,000 is a lot of money, so I am just praying that we can raise it."

Grade 11 Listed Hill Pipe Organ, Built in 1906.Grade 11 Listed Hill Pipe Organ, Built in 1906. (Image: Jim Davis) To find out more about the fundraising drive or help contribute to the target you can click here.