AROUND 100 people attended a meeting to discuss the future of a Forest church.

St Mary and St Peter Church in Tidenham is regarded as "endangered" and ideas were being sought to secure the future of the 800-year-old building.

Many people signed up for a Friends of Tidenham Church group which delighted Vicar of Tidenham David Treharne.

Rev Treharne welcomed members of the Tidenham Historical Group to the meeting which was held at the National Diving Centre.

They gave an interesting talk about the history of the church including its connection with pirates and they myth of the witch's stone.

Natalie Hill, the Diocese of Gloucester's churches officer explained why St Mary and St Peter was an endangered church.

Its roof, drainage and guttering all need repair works which will cost a significant sum of money.

She said the church belonged to the whole community but it was a "use it or lose it" situation and people must be open to change.

During the evening people filled in questionnaires and wrote on sticky notes revealing what the church meant to them.

They were asked what they thought the church needed and how the changes could be made.

Top of the list were improved car parking, the installation of toilets and a desire to see it used widely as a community facility.

More information about how to join Friends of Tidenham Church is available from Anne Martin on 01291 627800.