STEEPLE Ashton’s open gardens festival raised £6,000 towards renovation work of St Mary’s Church in the village.

Sunday’s event attracted around 800 people with the visitors touring 17 gardens.

The funds will go towards a £40,000 project to repair the front of the church which is expected to begin in the autumn.

Dr Peter Howard, chairman of the preservation trust, said: “I do think it’s important that people contribute to their community and this was certainly a major community effort.”

The event ran a prize draw, with the winners having a tour of the church’s 93ft tower which overlooks Salisbury Plain. They also received a glass of champagne. Other highlights included plant stalls and a children’s competition with a selection of refreshments also on sale.