A stained glass "marriage window" is being designed to look down on couples as they walk from a village church following their weddings.

It is to be fitted in the west porch of St Michael and All Angels Parish Church, in Barningham, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The window, thought to be the first of its kind in the area, is planned as a mark of love, marriage and companionship for newlyweds.

At present, the window contains Victorian tinted glass; but, when it fell into disrepair, officials decided to replace it with a special feature.

An appeal has been launched to raise £3,500 for the window, and couples are being invited to contribute as part of their marriage or anniversary celebrations.

Julie Teasdale, treasurer of the parochial church council, who is receiving donations towards the project, said yesterday: "I have not heard of this kind of window anywhere else, but I think it's a lovely idea.

"We have received a lot of support so far for the fund. Some couples are making donations to mark their wedding anniversaries or those of their parents."

It is hoped the window will be installed within the next few months. It is being created by Joanna Hedley, of Newcastle, who is using abstract forms of flowers that symbolise love and marriage, including asters, carnations, crocuses and forget me nots, with interlocking circles to represent the joining of two people.

Ms Hedley has designed windows for other buildings in the area, including Wycliffe Hall and St Mary's RC Church, at Wycliffe.

Next month, she will run two workshops to help Barningham residents create a stained glass window for the village hall.