EVESHAM people are still digging deep to support the campaign to conserve the town’s iconic bell tower.

The appeal to raise £500,000 to repair the 16th century historic tower began in June and has received thousands of pounds from people in and around the town, including nearly £10,000 donated by Journal readers.

In recent weeks it has received another boost as donations from runners, who took part in the Evesham 10k, and music fans, who watched a special concert, arrived.

On Monday, Stan Brotherton, treasurer of the Bell Tower Appeal, received a cheque for £1,000 raised at the Evesham 10k event in July.

He said: “I am thrilled with the money. It is a significant contribution to the appeal.”

The race organisers also donated a further £2,282.50 to Macmillan Cancer Support nurses as one of the runners Tim Heslop, had recently battled testicular cancer.

Mr Heslop said: “I was over the moon they chose Macmillan because it meant a lot to me, particularly at the time. As far as I am concerned now I have got the all clear.”

Meanwhile on Friday, November 15, a concert in aid of the appeal raised £1,500.

It took place at All Saints Church and saw musicians Hanna Knight and Tim Haines of hanna*h* headlining alongside Harrison Bruce, Tom Forbes, Dean Bayliss, Beth Haughton and Renny Badham.

Hanna said: “The support was just unbelievable. It was hard to pitch the idea to people at first but the audience completely embraced the gig in a church concept and it really was a unique evening.

“It was a great place to perform and the feedback has been excellent.

“Everyone involved gave up their time free of charge and we are so grateful.”

The concert was so successful there will be another next year and musicians are invited to register their interest in performing by contacting info@ hanna-h-music.com or Sue Ablett, the bell tower committee chairman on sueablett1@btin ternet.com.