AN APPEAL to bring Huddersfield Parish Church into the 21st century has been launched.
The Cornerstone appeal is aiming to modernise the church so it meets the stringent new laws governing disabled access.
Money raised will also go towards refurbishing the church and improving the visitor facilities.
The ribbon was cut by two of the appeal's patrons, Holmfirth artist Ashley Jackson and Deputy Mayor Clr Margaret Fearnley.
The Rev Catherine Ogle said she was delighted the appeal was up and running and hoped it would prove to be very successful.
She said: "We want the church, which is right at the heart of this town, to be welcoming and available to absolutely everybody.
"It should be a place to come to meet people, a place to come to have a few quiet moments or even a place to have a cup of tea and relax.
"We need this money to help us move forward in to the 21st century. But we are also looking at doing other things as well. We may even build on to the church.
"We are considering everything very carefully and will now take some time to listen to what people think about the plans."
Ashley Jackson, who is a Roman Catholic, pledged his support and said the appeal should stretch across religious borders.
"Places of worship need to be protected for the generations to come.
"I am delighted to be a part of this appeal and hope that lots of people get involved and raise lots of money for all the great projects Catherine has in mind for Huddersfield Parish Church," he said.
Barbara Nightingale is the chairman of the appeals committee and hopes people will come forward with lots of different ways to raise money.
She said: "This is a major appeal and we hope that people from all across the town will want to get involved.
"If anybody has any ideas about fundraising they should let us know.
"This is a church that has been the centre of this town for so long and we want it continue being that for a great deal longer."
