WORK has started on renovating the magnificent organ in St Mary's Church, Calne.

The organ, which was given as a gift to the church in 1907 by the Harris family, is in remarkable condition considering its age.

The first phase of renovation will cost £38,500 and has just started. Pipes have been removed and specialists are carrying out renovations and repairs.

The whole programme will take a number of years and is expected to cost £180,000 to £200,000.

The Rev Bob Kenway said: "It is a big project and although the first phase has begun we are a long way off completion of the whole restoration and a lot of work is also being done to raise the money for the work."

The main appeal will be launched in the next few weeks and already boasts the Bishop of Salisbury, the composer Sir John Tavener and the Mayor of Calne as patrons.

A brochure outlining the project is under production and plans are in hand for a number of fundraising events.

The Rev Kenway said: "Repairs and renovations to the organ have been discussed for many years and I am delighted we have taken the bull by the horns and work has now started.

"Repairs have become more and more urgent as time has gone on.

"The organ is of cathedral proportions, there is no equivalent organ in the West Country and it is an important part of the history of Calne, as well as the church itself.

"We will be bringing it back to its former glory."

It is hoped that the first phase of the renovation will be completed by September.

The church intends to renovate and re-guild the Arts And Crafts style casement in which the organ sits.

"We will be looking for funding from trust funds, from perhaps local business and other grant schemes and we are hoping that people will dig deep because it is such an important project," said the Rev Kenway.

A working group has been established to look at the funding, the forthcoming launch and the brochure.

Parishioners are having to sing their hymns accompanied by portable organ while the repairs are carried out.