A PRIEST wants fundraisers to really dig deep - by bidding for a grave plot for two.

Father Barry O'Sullivan is offering the unusual prize to the highest bidder as part of a campaign to raise cash for a multi-use games area for villagers in Chipping.

The priest at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church was struck by inspiration when approached to come up with a donation for an 'auction of promises' in the village next month.

Cash raised from the event will contribute to the £130,000 needed to build a new sports area that will include a five-a-side football pitch.

Father O'Sullivan said: "I admit it is unusual, but I couldn't think of anything else to auction. The cemetery at St Mary's is in the process of being extended to include plots for people of different denominations, so I thought: 'I've got some plots spare at the moment'.

"Plots of this size usually go for around £1,000, so it should make some decent money for the new sports field.

"There are lots of businessmen in the village, so it might start a bidding war between them."

Father O'Sullivan, who regularly plays in a local five-a-side league that uses the concrete football pitch, says he is looking forward to using the new facilities.

Fundraisers hope to make £5,000 from the auction, which will also include everything from promises from businesses to offers to mow a neighbour's lawn.

Cash raised will add to the £100,000 already raised.

Miles Thompson, chairman of the village recreation society, is leading the fundraising drive.

He said: "The village itself has raised £30,000, which for a place with only 800 residents, is very impressive. The village committee has also donated £20,000 so we are getting closer. Hopefully the auction will really close the gap."

The auction is open to everyone and will be held in Chipping Village Hall on Friday, December 10, at 7pm.