Christopher Cocksworth came to Rugby last week to give his support to the Sign a Slate campaign.

We first reported two weeks ago how St. Andrew’s needs to raise £170,000 so all the slates on the nave roof can be replaced.

As part of the campaign, we're asking our readers to buy a slate for the new roof at £5 or more - with the added incentive of having your name carved into it.

Bishop Cocksworth said: “St. Andrew’s has been serving the community of Rugby for generations.

“I’ve bought five roof slates for my five children to help serve future generations.

“I think it’s a nice imaginative idea and I would encourage people to buy a slate so they can have a stake in the future.

“It’s nice to be able to look up to the roof and say you’re a part of it. I look forward to that as I go past.

“It’s a beautiful church and it’s got a good team of clergy and congregation that help support the local community.”

Mark Beach, the Rector of Rugby, started the campaign after hearing how a church in Banbury had run a similar scheme. He is hoping that local people will want to help maintain one of Rugby’s most popular and historic landmarks.

He added that the job was an urgent one - and if not completed soon the roof could even start leaking.

He said: "Now we’re asking the community for help but this will be recognised by having their names carved into the new roof – it’s a unique way of creating history."

To find out how you or your company can support St. Andrew's contact the parish office on (01788) 565609 or email rtmoffice@rugbyteam. org.uk