St Helen’s Church, on Cross Hill, Hemsworth, and St Mary’s Church, Doncaster Road, South Elmsall, have been raising money in a bid to make vital repairs.

St Helen’s has no toilets, kitchen facilities or disabled access and the roof and wiring are in need of repair.

The church, which launched an appeal to raise £200,000 in March, has already raised £63,000.

Lyn Jennings, secretary of the appeal committee and deputy headteacher at St Helen’s J&I School, said: “One of our pupils, Courtney Broadhurst, decided to do a sponsored ballet for her friends and family. She raised £15 for the appeal.

“Pupils also brought in their coppers and we have raised around £200.”

And three children who attend the church raised £230 by organising a sponsored walk on their holidays.

Cameron, nine, Gabriel, five, and Gracie Hazelgrave, four, walked down Mount Snowdon in Wales accompanied by their parents and grandfather.

Fr Robert Hart said: “Their efforts together with the continued generosity of our community will help to ensure our beautiful parish church will still be there for them, and their children, well into the future.”

St Mary’s launched an appeal in October to raise up to £25,000 to make the repairs before its centenary in 2010.

Fundraising activities included raffles and prize bingo and donations. Some proceeds from the harvest supper and auction will also help the appeal.

The Rev Paul Witts said: “We have installed audio visual equipment to try and modernise the church. The roof has been repaired and electrical work is taking place. We are still hoping to redecorate and make the electrical system more efficient. If people want a parish church they can’t rely on the retired congregation who have limited funds.They need to support this appeal, I encourage everyone to keep giving.”