BURY Parish Church will be "drumming" up support for its £300,000 Step Inside Appeal with a concert next week.

Entertainment will be provided by the Band and Drums of the Fusiliers' Association (Lancashire) and the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards Association (Manchester branch) on Wednesday.

Bury Parish is historically the garrison church of the Lancashire Fusiliers, whose colours are on display inside.

The event is in aid of the ongoing Step Inside Appeal which was launched in March with a target to raise £300,000 to refurbish the organ and to provide a welcoming visitors area at the west end of the church.

In its first six months, the appeal has raised £176,000. Both bands are giving their services free so that every penny made from ticket sales will go to the appeal.

The compere for the evening will be Lieutenant Colonel Eric Davidson, president and chairman of the Fusiliers' Association (Lancashire). The programme will appeal to a wide audience, combining traditional Scottish tunes, melodies from musicals and marches.

Rector of Bury, Dr John Findon said: "Knowing how popular these bands are will mean a significant sum is likely to be achieved for our work on rebuilding the organ and in making the church more useful to all the people of Bury."

Tickets, priced at £10, will be available on the door.