A fundraising appeal has been launched in Shirehampton to breathe life back into the village's 15th century Tithe Barn.

The barn, which stands on High Street, links to the community's rural past but has lain derelict for many years. It has now been bought by St Mary's Parochial Church Council, who after consultation with the public, plan to use the space for community outreach projects.

Over £300,000 is needed to turn the barn into a working space for clubs and play groups and, in keeping with the definition of the word tithe – meaning a tenth, the Shirehampton Tithe Barn Appeal has been launched to raise £32,000.

It is hoped that with the support of fundraisers, the barn could be transformed within the next year. Currently, groups use the space at the back of St Mary's Church for coffee mornings and clubs.

Appeal manager James Harris said: "In days gone by, when the Tithe Barn was still in agricultural use, the community would have been asked to donate 10 per cent of their harvest every year for storage.

"We thought that £32,000 would be a good target for our community appeal because it represents a tenth of the overall total we need to make our project a reality.

"We're hoping people will get together to have some fun while raising money – whether it's groups of colleagues, friends and families, baths of beans, sponsored walks, quiz nights or cake sales, we'd be delighted with anything people could do."

To support the appeal, contact Mr Harris on 07886 217139.