A CHURCH is pulling out all the stops to restore a historic pipe organ during the lockdown.

The United Reformed Church in Colchester Road, Chappel, is set to finally revamp its 170-year-old organ two years early.

The tiny church only has a seating capacity of around 50 people but is proud of the impressive instrument.

With the closure of churches, the URC managed to bring forward the project by almost two years at the request of its organ tuner and restorer.

The organ has now been dismantled with parts being take to his workshop for restoration.

Work is well under way and it is hoped the organ will soon be reassembled and back in use by August.

The work is expected to cost more than £14,000.

The church launched a restoration appeal in May last year to try raise £10,000.

As of June, The appeal has now raised £11,600 with Gift Aid expected to bump the figure up to about £12,500.

Most of the cash was raised thanks to donations as well as a £2,000 legacy and grants.

However, since the lockdown, the church has been unable to fundraise and is now appealing for further donations to help meet the £1,700 shortfall.

The appeal has seen support from Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell and Chappel ward councillor Nigel Chapman.

Church secretary and organist Anthony Percival is leading the restoration project.

He said: “The organ is much appreciated by members of the regular congregation of up to 20 each week.

“It will be a challenge to reconfigure seating allowing for current social distancing if and when services are allowed to resume. This may result in limiting numbers attending.”