VILLAGERS have raised £100,000 after a year gathering money in order to replace their church roof.

The money is for work to take place at St Andrew’s Church, and will also include new gutters and downpipes.

A third of the cost was raised by congregation members and non-churchgoers, another third came through grant aid and the final third was through a bequest.

Church warden Robert Underhill said: “The project went extremely well and gives us a sense of security so that we can now embark on a complete internal redecoration.

“It has secured the church’s future for at least a generation or two and we are very grateful to all who have contributed.”

Villagers held an event in the church yard with drinks and nibbles to thank all those who had helped out, both churchgoers and secular supporters.

St Andrew’s has medieval origins and was largely rebuilt in 1854 but needed the new roof following leaks and associated problems with damp.

The church’s vicar is the Rev Dr Anna-Claar Thomasson-Rosingh. Architect Louise Rendell, a partner at St Anne’s Gate practice in Salisbury, advised on repairs.

Contractor Mike Rickman of Rickman Roofing carried out the work and was able to re-use many of the original peg tiles.

St Andrew’s is one of 12 churches in the Chalke Valley benefice, near Salisbury.

Visit https://www.chalkevalleychurches.org/welcome.htm for more details.