A MAJOR fundraising campaign is aiming to save one of Doddinghurst's most celebrated buildings.

Friends of Doddinghurst church say they need to collect £36,000 for the first phase of renovation work on the 400-year-old Priest House.

One of the oldest buildings in Doddinghurst, the oak timbers used for its foundations are now rotting away and urgent work needs to be carried out to save it.

Friend of the church Kay Parkinson said: "We are holding a Gift Weekend on September 20 and 21 trying to raise money locally for the renovation.

"Part of the weekend involves concerts by the village junior school and the Cantus group of singers."

For more information contact Rev Gill Frith 01277 821366.