VILLAGERS have embarked on a £40,000 fundraising campaign to restore medieval stained glass windows in their church.

Lead work around the 600-year-old glass in eight windows at St Michael's Church in Coxwold, near Easingwold, has deteriorated, leaving the glass loose.

The cost of restoring the lead has been put at £40,000, but half of the total has already been raised, and residents hope to secure a small grant towards the scheme.

Work on the project has begun, and villager Trevor Grice said: "So far, three windows have been done, but there are eight windows to get through altogether.

"It is not the whole windows -the Victorian glass is being left -but the older glass is in need of some tender, loving care."

In 2001, the 100-year-old east window had to be removed and the stone replaced at a cost of £25,000. Apart from a £2,000 grant, the total was raised by the parish, which has only 150 registered voters.

Later this month, the village is holding its major annual fundraising event -the Hidden Gardens of Coxwold.

Gardens throughout the village will be open from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, June 12. Parking is free, teas will be available and the church will be open so progress on the restoration can be seen.

It is hoped the event can raise £5,000 for the project.