A TEAM of 15 determined and enthusiastic walkers took part in the Big Community Connection Sponsored Walk in Sunday's heat, raising money for the refurbishment of Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon.

The walk was nine miles long, and took four hours for the walkers to complete - after they briefly stopped for a cream tea at Stowford Manor Farm en route. Mayor Alison Craddock opened the event, and accompanied the walkers on the first stage before sending them off with good wishes.

Walkers set off from near Bradford's Tithe Barn, before heading through Wingfield and Westwood and back down into Bradford.

The walk on Sunday raised £1,000, leaving the project still short of £189,000. John Cox, chairman of the Friends of the Holy Trinity and organiser of the walk, described it as a “beautiful day with a great atmosphere”. Organisers hope it will become an annual event. Fundraising for the project has so far been very successful, and more events are planned for July and September, including a street market and a champagne and sparkling wine tasting event.

Since February 2016, the church has been undergoing a full refurbishment and restoration, ranging from new flood prevention measures, new lighting, comfortable seating and a restored Willis organ. This enormous project is expected to cost around £2 million, and is due to be completed in time for Christmas

So far, the foundations for the new extension, flood protection and raised flooring have been put in place. Since the start of the refurbishment project, it has been reported that Anglo-Saxon remains have been found in the digging.

More information about upcoming fundraising events can be found at www.bigcommunityconnection.org.uk