A FORMER Bond star joined residents of three Cotswold villages to raise a glass and funds for local churches.

Residents from the villages of Driffield, Harnhill and Down Ampney hosted a Craft Gin and Beer Tasting on Saturday, September 8 at The Manor House in Driffield. Guest of honour and Gloucestershire local Fiona Fullerton opened the event with her husband.

The sell-out event raised more than £2000 for the community churches of Driffield and Harnhill.

The Tasting was held in conjunction with local producers including Garden Swift (formerly known as Garden Tiger) and British Polo Gin, as well as Hop Kettle Brewery, Ashton Keynes Brewery, Beardy Boys Brewery and Moke Fine Wines.

The organisers also had support from Ramsbury and The Spirit of the Cotswolds gin and local food businesses including Ben’s Kitchen, Tetbury, Hobbs House Bakery, Finca Pere Olive Oil and Jesse Smith’s Farm Shop, who helped the team put on a fun evening of local food and drink tastings.

Organiser Terri Davies said: "Our tickets sold out quickly, thanks to the fantastic support of local people, gin, beer and food companies and some quality raffle prizes to be won on the day.

"The added bonus of having Fiona Fullerton, star of James Bond, Angels and Strictly Come Dancing, to name some of her impressive TV and film credits, shows how keen people are to support a good cause and help maintain our community and the churches at the centre of them.

"We hoped to raise at least £2000 for church maintenance and are grateful to all who gave their time and products to make this a success.”