A fundraiser has been launched in an effort to ‘save’ a historic Darlington church.

St John’s Church, located on the corner of Yarm Road and Neasham Road, closed in 2023.

A GoFundMe has been launched for the church with a target of £150,000.

Organisers of the fundraiser have said they plan to save the building and have it serve the community as a hub for “social, educational and recreational activities.”

In a statement, organisers of the fundraiser said: “It closed as a place of worship in 2023 due to declining congregation numbers and rising running costs.

“Our plan involves saving this beautiful, iconic building for the people for Darlington, to serve as a community building that offers a broad range of social, educational and recreational activities that will enable Darlington residents to enjoy a better quality of life and reach their full potential.

“The types of activities that would be delivered from the building (and generate sufficient room hire income to cover all building operating costs) include Children and Adult Dance classes, martial arts clubs, private celebrations, mother & toddler groups, Art & Craft classes, music societies, a community café, and a base for independent church groups who wish to continue using this beautiful venue as a place of worship.

“St Johns church opened in January 1850 and has touched many lives during its 173-year lifetime. We invite as many people as possible to support our plan by making a small donation.

“Please also share your personal memories of this wonderful iconic building; Did you get married in St Johns? Or have you attended a funeral of a loved one, were christened here or were you a member of the choir or congregation?”

The fundraiser can be found here.