A STALL selling local produce has helped towards a project to bring a church into the 21st Century.

Items such as spinach, apples, eggs, cakes, jam and dog liver biscuits were sold at the lychgate of St John's, in Staplegrove, between June 24 and the start of this month.

The initiative, organised by Sandra Buckle for the second year along with a coffee shop, raised £1,650 for the re-ordering of the ancient church.

Renovation work is being undertaken to make the building fit for purpose and to meet the needs of the community in modern times by making it environmentally friendly, efficient and effective.

The project includes improved underfloor heating; a floor to improve acoustics and reflect the light; replacing fixed pews with chairs and moveable pews; a server for refreshments; the redesign of the south transept to provide a meeting space; a lighter and more welcoming porch; and the redesign of the chancel for small services.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow popped by on the last day of the stall sales and chatted to locals about the scheme.