THE parish of St Cybi's Church, Llangybi are raising money for their damaged 18th century ceiling.

Last year above the west end gallery, a large triangular crack suddenly appeared in the old curved plaster ceiling of the nave over the pipe organ.

Immediate emergency permission to dismantle the organ was granted by the diocese and the following day the plaster fell down, laying bare the ancient crumbling laths beyond.

After numerous professional inspections, it was revealed the rest of the large ceiling might be at risk.

Luckily the east end, the chancel and sanctuary, had in 1908-11 been rescued by collective effort from an even worse decline in the years 1908-11 and is still very sound and accessible from a side door.

Reverend Pamela Love said: "The smaller weekly congregation have worshipped in this space since Easter and we have never had to shut the church.

"Sadly it would be difficult to hold baptisms, weddings or funerals and our insurers will not allow us to leave the church open during daytime for the many people who like looking at ancient churches and have always come to view this interesting building.

"Based on a Celtic foundation attributed to St Cybi, but possibly on a prehistoric religious site in this village with its standing stone, healing well and mysterious mounds giving its original name Tregrug (the settlement of the mound), the present church is composed of buildings from every age from the 12th to the 20th century.

"We don't want to lose it. The sad news is that the eventual total cost of saving it for the future is unknown as yet. It could top £100,000.

"The good news is that the community has already shown a generous determination to help us. In the past two months £2,000 has been raised through a concert by the two choirs led by our former Rector, a fancy dress social evening called Dine at Downfall Abbey and a two night carol singing collection around the houses in the village.

"This is just the start and we shall of course be applying to various funds which offer grants to help preserve the past for use in the future."