FUNDRAISERS are a step closer towards their goal to redevelop their church after securing £60,000 in pledges.

FUNDRAISERS are a step closer towards their goal to redevelop their church after securing £60,000 in pledges.

More than 1,000 loyal churchgoers, who flocked to Haddenham village green for two days of harvest fun and prayer, pledged cash last weekend.

Villagers need to raise £120,000 for improvements to Haddenham's historic St Mary's Church which they believe will benefit the whole community.

The Rev Chris Denham, who was pelted with wet sponges in his cassock as part of the fund-raising, said: 'It all went very well and people just kept coming throughout the morning and afternoon.'

Describing how it felt to get soaked, he said: 'Interestingly enough after the first sponge, which is always a shock, it was alright.

'It actually cooled me down and I managed to dry my cassock for the next day's service.'

Plans for the 13th century church include a new kitchen, toilet, improved access for disabled people and a sound-proof crche and meeting room in the tower.

Fundraisers are ready to put the plans out to builders for tender but a final decision on whether the work goes ahead still lies with church leaders in the Oxford Diocese.