St Peter's say that's what Friends are for!

The Friends, whose aim is to persuade churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike to join the drive to preserve this beautiful part of our Bexhill heritage, handed the cheque to church treasurer David Pink on Tuesday as a contribution to meet the 31,718 bill for repairs to the church guttering.

The balance of the bill will need to be met from the contributions of worshippers at the church.

It is more than 1,200 years since King Offa granted the charter for the building of a church and the founding of Bexhill in 772.

St Peter's has benefited the lives of many who would not call themselves committed churchgoers, and the Friends gives such people the opportunity to be associated with the care of this much-cherished building, the town's primary ancient heritage site, ensuring that it is passed on to future generations.

Money is raised by annual subscription and support for fund-raising activities such as concerts and sales."