A PLEA has been made for residents of a West Somerset village to help with the upkeep of their parish churchyard on Friday and Saturday (June 13 and 14).

Churchwarden Sue Ayshford said the parochial church council (PCC) of St Mary the Virgin Church, in Holford, paid to have the churchyard grass cut regularly.

But, Ms Ayshford said: “That is all we can really afford, and the path, hedges, etc, have in previous years been tended by members of the PCC.

“However, we are becoming more aged and, frankly, are unable to physically manage the upkeep.

“We wonder if we could arrange a working party of members of the village to give up a little of their time to help tidy things up.

“The growth of things this spring has been quite exceptional, as you can all tell by the state of your own gardens, and the yew tree deposits are dire.

“If you would like to help in any way, we would be most grateful and maybe we can arrange when we can all meet up with brooms, hedge cutters, and secateurs.”

Ms Ayshford said if people could turn up any time from 10 am she would provide tea and coffee.

She said: “Please come and help with the upkeep of our lovely little church.

“Our church is open every day for visitors and parishioners to enter for quiet contemplation and prayer.”

St Mary The Virgin Church dates to the 13th century, although a church has stood on the site for more than 1,000 years.

The existing church was rebuilt in the 19th century and is well cared for, with the bells rung regularly, and a booklet by JJA Hayman detailing the history of the area is available.

Holford with Dodington is part of the Quantock Villages Benefice with the other parishes being Aisholt, Enmore, Goathurst, Kilve with Kilton and Lilstock, Nether Stowey, Over Stowey, Spaxton with Charlynch, and Stringston.