A CHURCH leader has turned to social media to help raise essential funds to save an iconic church.

Canon Sharon Jones, Rector of Saddleworth, has shared a video on the St Chad Facebook page in her personal crusade to save the Grade-II listed Saddleworth church.

This month she is committed to making 10,000 steps every day to raise £5,000 for ramped access to the historic building, which is deemed ‘at risk’.

So far she has raised more than £1,000 towards her target but said in the video: “Without support from Saddleworth and beyond, the building will have no choice but to close its doors.

“The church and graveyards are custodians of the memories of generations of Saddleworth families.

"There is a mystery and timelessness which significant historic places offer through the decades of challenge and change.

“They are a source of strength and comfort and offer faith, hope and joy.”

She added: “Please everyone continue to give so in turn, the church may be better enabled to give to you. Thank you.”

To donate visit gofundme.com/f/st-chads-steps-for-change