PEOPLE in Hoddlesden are being encouraged to dig deep into their pockets to raise £1,000 to buy new gates for St Paul's Church.

The church recently received a grant from the East Rural Regeneration Board to repair the crumbling churchyard wall and to re-erect the gateposts opposite the Old Rectory.

But cash is still needed to buy new gates.

The church is holding a Loose Change Month throughout May.

Church warden Georgina McWhirter said: "The estimated cost of the gates is £1,000 as they need to be in keeping with others in the churchyard.

"Saving loose change is a way we can raise funds without the cost being a burden."

A model church will be in the porch where loose change can be left any time, or people can bring cash to the church at the end of May.

Fundraising will continue with a gift day and lunch in St Paul's School hall on Sunday, June 6, from 12.15pm. It will cost £1.50 per person.

This will be followed by a strawberry and cream tea garden party at St Paul's vicarage, Johnson New Road, on Saturday, June 19, from 2pm.

Any contributions will be gratefully accepted and more details can be obtained from the Rev Geoff Mumford on 01254 702598, the church wardens on 771638 or Georgina McWhirter on 706380.