More than �1m needs to be spent on the Cathedral

St Mary's Catholic Church in Wrexham has fallen into disrepair and the money is needed in time for its 150th anniversary in 2007.

The erection of the church was funded by the Thompson family who helped develop the coal and iron industry in the region.

Father Peter Brignall, Dean to the Cathedral, said it seemed fitting to ask local manufacturers for their help again.

"We want to raise �1m because the money will also provide a strategic fund for future work.

Father Peter Brignall: The church needs repairing

"I will appeal to the community and local industry through letters.

"We will also be applying for appropriate grants," he said.

Money raised will be spent on refurbishing the church's windows and stained glass.

It will also be redecorated to restore some of its original Victorian features.

More than 300 people regularly attend the church services every Sunday.

Listed building

Father Brignall said that although Catholic, St Mary's belongs to the whole of Wrexham and to people of all faiths.

"It dominates the town's skyline, especially if you are approaching from the west of the county," he said.

Now a Grade II listed building, the Cathedral was designed by the famous Victorian architect Edward Welby Pugin.

It was completed in 1857.

The building has been extensively repaired and in the last 10 years the cathedral has been underpinned and re-roofed.

Father Brignall said a committee will be set up shortly to look at raising the money needed for the rest of the refurbishment.