A campaign to raise money to restore a local Grade II* listed church has been launched.

Immediate repairs are needed to ensure the safety of Holy Trinity Church in Hartshill, a Grade II* listed building.

Orange netting has been placed around the base of the church tower as a precaution taken after a structural issue was discovered with one of the stone pinnacles.

Founder Herbert Minton, whose world-renowned encaustic tiles can be seen in the interior, rests within the church which adds to its historical significance.

A grant has been secured to cover a portion of the repair costs but the grant requires the church to raise £3,000 by 31 December to unlock the full funding.

Without meeting this target, the grant will be lost, leaving the church to bear the full cost of repairs.

Ethan Carter, the organiser for the GoFundMe page, said: "Consecrated in 1842, the church holds a special place in the history of the Potteries.

"It was built by the renowned earthenware manufacturer, Herbert Minton (1793–1858), one of the most prominent figures in the ceramics industry.

"Minton's legacy extends beyond his famous tiles and pottery; he endowed and built Holy Trinity to serve the growing community of Hartshill, making it a wonderful example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture from the era.

"We are urgently working to raise £3,000 to unlock a vital grant designated for essential repairs to the church's spire.

"If we do not secure these much-needed funds by December 31st, we will lose eligibility for the full repair grant, putting this key feature of the Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent skyline at risk"

Now the Holy Trinity Church congregation has rallied together to launch a GoFundMe page, which has already raised over £1,000.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: "We are urgently need the community's support and help to reach our target.

"Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to saving this vital piece of Stoke-on-Trent's heritage."

Donations can be made to the Holy Trinity Church GoFundMe page here.