VILLAGERS raised almost £2,000 over the festive period to help preserve their 13th-century church more than 100 years after it was dismantled and rebuilt a mile away to save it from continual flooding and dampness.

The organisers of a raffle in which residents of Leigh donated a string of “incredible” prizes made £1,959 – one third of the cash required for a fighting fund to keep All Saints' Church open.

Church treasurer Hugh Thomas said: “What a great effort from everybody involved. The final raffle figure was amazing. The total amount is about three times what I hoped for when we set out.

“It really brought the community together. Lots of us made new friends in the village.”

When Mr Thomas appealed for raffle prizes he was overwhelmed at the response from the 370-population community. Donations included three separate stays at five-star hotels in central London, a Christmas wine selection and tickets to Badminton Horse Trials.

The big draw took place at the Christmas Eve carols service which ensured the Grade II* (correct) church was packed.

Now Mr Hughes and his team who face a continual battle to fund ongoing repairs and will hold a meeting early in the New Year to consider other fund raising projects.

He urged villagers to come along to discuss “novel ideas for keeping Leigh Church open.”

Originally built in the Upper Waterhay part of Leigh in 1250, All Saints' Church was broken down stone by stone and transported by horse and cart a mile away to Swan Lane in 1896 where it was re-built on a drier site.

Recently £7,000 was spent on urgent roof and guttering work which prompted the setting up of a £6,000 fighting fund for further work which will soon be required.

Call Mr Thomas on 01285 860488 or email hugh@waterhay.co.uk