CRAFTERS who filled a church with their needlework have turned their attention to raising money for vital maintenance.

The Teatime Stitchers decorated prayer cushions in St Mary the Virgin church in Matching and are busy sewing, knitting and embroidering Christmas-themed creations to sell in aid of the building.

Joan Bowerman, a member of the group, said: “The church dates from a mixture of centuries, so it needs a lot of love and attention.

“We’ve just had a lead roof and a burglar alarm fitted because of the risk of lead theft, so the money we raise will probably reimburse that.

“It will also go towards general maintenance.”

The group’s items will be sold at the Christmas fair at the church in Church Green from 11.30am to 5.30pm on November 17.

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