PARISHIONERS in Olveston are being given the chance to buy their church pews to help fund a £100,000 modernisation project.

Leaders at St Mary's Church are currently heading up a reordering project in the hope of updating the parish’s facilities.

The scheme includes updating the church’s electrics, internal reorganisation and the removal of some of the church’s wooden pews.

To help fund the project, and to keep the pews in use, the church is offering them for sale to the highest bidder.

The pews in question are of stripped pine and are in three lengths, six feet, seven feet and nine feet.

Bernard Amos, Parochial Church Council (PCC) secretary, said: "People who have bought them from other churches have used them as garden seats, in hallways, cafes and even as an unusual display for house plants in a conservatory.

"Several other churches have boosted their appeal funds in the same way. It is a nice way to donate and get something interesting in return. Buyers have bought for reasons such as a reminder of their church life, or the community and also as a reminder of prayer."

All funds raised from the sales will be put towards the church’s reordering appeal fund.

Rev Roly Bain, St Mary's Curate, said: "The whole community has been working hard to achieve our Appeal Fund target of £100,000 and we are delighted that we have already reached £67,000.

"We are inviting people to bid for the pews as we don't want to limit the generosity of potential buyers. We are delighted that some have been bought by local people. Every little we raise helps and we hope these pews will find good homes."

The pews will be available at the end of July.

As well as selling the pews other fundraising events for the reordering have included a silent auction and a St Swithun's Ball, held last week.

Anyone wishing to bid for a pew should call 01454 616593.