BOLTON Priory has launched an innovative fundraising appeal.

As community groups, local charities and places of worship, which all rely on public support, are facing the impact of a drop in income the Rector at Bolton Priory has come up with a novel idea to help plug the gap.

"The loss of income at Bolton Priory during the Coronavirus is simply hair-raising," said its rector, Nicholas Mercer.

So much so that he has himself donated the price of a trip to the barber's via the Priory's Just Giving page and is urging as many people as possible to do the same.

The Rector said: "A small donation in lieu of a trip to the hairdresser or barber will go some way towards providing the Priory with a 'full head of hair'."

Bolton Priory, which has a footfall of over 250,000 visitors annually, is still faced with paying its overheads which includes a commitment to support local community groups.

The Rector is urging as many as possible to help fill the gap that has been created through the lockdown by joining his hair-raising campaign via the Just Giving link on its website and Facebook or go direct to justgiving.com/boltonabbey-pcc.

Weekly services are streamed online at http://www.boltonpriory.org.uk.