INTRICATE stained glass windows at a church in Sturminster Newton are at risk of collapsing if repairs aren’t made, the church has said.

St Mary’s church boasts a collection of beautiful stained glass windows that historian June Osborne described as “truly outstanding works of ecclesiastical art” that were “well worth the pilgrimage” to the town in her catalogue of Stained Glass in England.

One of these, the large east window, has provided a stunning colourful backdrop for regular Sunday services, as well as major festivals, weddings, funerals and civic events, for nearly 160 years.

But the windows face an uncertain future, as some of the stonework surrounding the windows has fractured and is now at risk of collapsing.

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The church said damage has been caused by a rusting iron bar inserted into the stone pillars to support the window against pressure from the wind.

Now, a fundraising appeal is set to launch at St Mary’s Church on June 24 at 7pm where organisers are hoping to get the ball rolling on raising £40,000 for the repairs.

A church spokesperson said: “The evening’s talk and presentation will provide an opportunity to discover why the window was installed in the church, its connections to local people past and present, and its significance to the development of stained glass in England into the 20th century.”

Visitors to St Mary’s can also view display boards with information about the window and its urgent repairs, and pick up a leaflet giving details of how to support the appeal.