A CHURCH fundraising campaign is hoping to be quids in thanks to a parishioner’s generosity.

St James’ Church at Silsden has dished-out tenners to people across the community, who are being asked to use their entrepreneurial skills to grow the cash.

Youth groups, Silsden Primary School pupils and congregation members are among those taking part.

They have until May 11 to raise as much as possible.

The initiative has been made possible by a £2,000 gift.

Participating groups will be able to keep half of what they raise and the remainder will go to the church campaign, Project 200+.

It aims to raise £350,000 for a major refurbishment and remodelling of the church hall, in Kirkgate.

Support for the tenner venture is being provided by the town’s Many Hands crafts and art collective, which is offering advice and a selling point for any craftwork produced as part of the scheme.

Also, business support is being given by Beverley Ford, who runs the Carelli B clothes shop in Silsden.

Vicar, the Rev David Griffiths, said: “We feel this is a wonderful initiative for bringing people together in innovative ways.

“There is a sense of great enthusiasm about the £10 challenge and some terrific ideas are already being discussed.”

The challenge will culminate with a celebratory evening on Saturday, May 11, when the results will be announced.

The church hall, which opened in 1820, was home to the town’s first school.

Over the years it has been used for a range of community events, and numerous groups meet there.

The refurbishment would include improved entrance canopies, new toilets, kitchen renovations, a spring wooden dance floor and a patio for outdoor events.

There would also be rewiring and redecoration.

The investment would represent the biggest in the building for at least three decades.

Other fundraising events planned include concerts and a fashion show.

For more details about the campaign, visit stjamessilsden.org.uk.