A LANDMARK church on Exmoor is undergoing a facelift to help restore its reputation as a beacon for miles around. The Grade One listed All Saints' at Selworthy is one of the few churches in the country still regularly limewashed, giving it its distinctive white appearance. The limewashing has to be carried out every 15 or 20 years but with no Government or Church of England help, the burden of funding the work inevitably falls on the local parish, a community of 1,500 people with a church electoral role of just 42. Church leaders decided earlier this year to press ahead with limewashing, together with repairs to gutters and down-pipes at an estimated cost of £80,000, despite facing a funding shortfall of around £10,000. But All Saints also needs a further £55,000 spent on a substantial reconstruction of the tower roof. A series of fundraising initiatives and events are planned in the coming months and a gift aid scheme is ongoing, which allows the parochial church council to reclaim 28p from the Inland Revenue for every £1 donated. Friends of Selworthy Church spokesman Sir Robin Dunn, who was married at All Saints in 1941 - just one month to the day before embarking for Egypt in World War Two - said the church was in a very bad state and it had been decided to carry out the limewashing this summer, despite the funding shortfall, so as to restore its landmark status. "All Saints Selworthy is a very special church and a well known landmark on the north part of Exmoor," said Sir Robin, pictured. "It attracts large numbers of visitors and its interior and church furniture are remarkably rich for such a small and remote church, and are steeped in history. "It is very much the centre of our local heritage as a Grade One listed building. "I hope people will feel able to help us preserve this beautiful building for the benefit of future generations, both residents of West Somerset and those who visit to enjoy the wonders of Exmoor." The bulk of the limewashing is expected to be completed in time for the church's flower festival over the August bank holiday weekend. Other fundraising schemes include a sponsored mountain bike ride on August 1, in association with the Exmoor Explorer event. Photo: Steve Guscott.