GARDENS will be blooming this weekend as part of a campaign to raise £55,000 for a village church.

Residents in Bussage need the cash to replace the heating system in St Michael and All Angels Church.

The heating failed in the winter, leaving the congregation shivering in the aisles.

But the community has rallied behind the vicar, Father John van der Linde, and a series of fundraising events are being this Sunday (July 17). Three gardens will be open, with a range of fun and flora.

Old Glebe House, the former Victorian vicarage, will be offering pony rides and target practice.

At Applegarth, opposite the church, there will be cream teas, ice cream and games, including skittles and a bouncy castle.

Celebrity gardener David Collins - whose lovingly nutured garden at Redwood, at the top of Bussage Hill has appeared on several TV programmes - is also opening his gates to the public, and judging a miniture garden competition.

There will also be a best dressed teddy competition. Inside the church there will be an exhibition, including paintings by local artist Owen James.

Parishioners will also be selling their handiwork, including embroidery, tapestry, hand-made cards, flowers and woodwork.

Entries for the miniature garden and best-dressed teddy competitions must be dropped off at the church between 11am and 1pm in time for the judging.

The afternoon will conclude with an organ recital by David Smith, followed by the presentation of prizes in the church at 6pm.

Fr John said: "We hope the weather's good and it's a success. "The whole effort is so that we can heat the church effectively.

"We have got quite a long way to go. It's quite a programme ahead of us.

"If you don't look after churches, they fall down. We have just got to rely on peoples' goodwill and understanding."

More information is available by visiting www.bussage.net.