Rotting church with football star windows needs help

Duncan Edwards was just 21 when he died in the Munich air disaster in 1958

A vicar is asking for donations for repairs at a church housing stained glass windows dedicated to footballing legend Duncan Edwards.

Wet and dry rot was found inside St Francis' church in Laurel Road, Dudley, forcing the congregation to attend services at the church's parish centre.

Football fans from around the world visit to view two stained glass windows commemorating the Manchester United and England footballer.

Reverend James Treasure said the discovery of the rot alongside rising energy bills posed a risk, but hoped donations would "ensure the future of this beautiful church.”

Duncan Edwards and 22 others were fatally injured when the plane carrying the United team crashed as it took off from Munich, then in West Germany, in February 1958.

Edwards, who was born in Dudley, won 18 caps for England and was tipped as a future captain when he died at the age of 21.

Mr Treasure described St Francis' as a special place, not only for the Wren's Nest communities, but to football fans.

“As it stands, we have enough to pay the initial repair costs and we are thankful to have received some funding from the national church and other local churches," he said.

But he added: "By next Easter we will struggle to cover monthly expenses, forcing us to make some difficult decisions.

"We hope that the community might help us raise some additional funds," he said.