NEARLY a quarter of a tonne of strawberries will be served in Crudwell when 2,000 people are expected to visit the village's thirteenth strawberry fair.

The strawberries are used to concoct Crudwell's famous treat known as The Works, a combination of shortcake, strawberry syrup, ice-cream, cream and strawberries, which are traditionally eaten on the green in the shade of the ancient lime trees.

The event is held each year to raise funds for Crudwell's All Saints Church, which currently faces a repair bill of £50,000 for re-roofing work and the waterproofing of old beams.

Part of the work will be funded by English Heritage, but the rest of the money will have to be found by villagers.

Fair publicity officer Ruth Pain said: The leaning tower of Pisa may have strong foundations and wire struts to hold it in place, but Crudwell church tower relies on strawberries for its support.

The fair includes a traditional craft market at the primary school, and the church will be open so visitors can view the recently installed Millennium stained glass window created by well-known British artist, Colin Stokes. It depicts the history of Crudwell in the last 1,000 years.

The fair is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9.