A MYSTERY benefactor has donated £12,000 to help repair a landmark town centre church's 90-foot terracotta tower.

The coffers at Victoria Hall were further boosted by a concert attended by more than 800 people.

It costs £500 a day for the upkeep of the building in Knowsley Street, and the concert was organised as part of an appeal for financial help so essential repairs can be carried out.

The concert involved Bolton Choral Union (BCU), Ladybridge Singers, the Brixi Singers and Bolton Symphony Orchestra's Jazzicle group .

And a member of the congregation agreed to donate £12,000 the figure was matched by members of the church's 100 Club.

They have each been asked to donate £10 a month for 12 months �— amounting to a further £12,000.

The money will be used to support the 114-year-old Grade II listed building, home to Bolton Methodist Mission, including a bill of £20,000 to comply with fire regulations and repairs to the terracotta tower.

Rev Paul Martin said: "We are greatly heartened by the response and encouraged to know that so many people value the Victoria Hall for the brilliant venue it is.

"The hall is not only a church but a resource for the community of Bolton and we are working hard to improve its facilities."

The concert, held earlier this month, was organised by Barbara Melbourne, from BCU, and Chris Cresswell, from Bolton Methodist Mission.

The evening's conductors were Robert Aston, Michael Greenhalgh and Richard Lea and the musical climax was Hadel's coronation anthem Zadok the Priest.

Rev Martin added: "We are immensely grateful to everyone else who performed on the evening.

"I was absolutely bowled over that so many people turned out to enjoy the concert and express their support."

A place of worship on Sundays, it is hired to stage a variety of musical events, lectures, meetings and graduation ceremonies throughout the rest of the week.

More than £475 was also taken at a collection at the event.