MARKET stalls will be set up and hot dogs served in an Eighth Century parish church so villagers can enjoy a winter event indoors.

It will be the first time recently that an activity of this kind has been held in St Mary's Church, in Staindrop, County Durham.

But it is a return to the tradition of more than a century ago, when fairs and feasts often took place in churches because there was no other building big enough for them.

There will be about 12 stalls in the church, which dates from 771AD, at the event on Friday, November 26, from 4pm to 8pm, and the following day, from 2pm to 6pm. Hot dogs and mulled wine will be served and there will also be a tombola.

Major William Trotter, the lay chairman of the parochial church council, said: "In previous years, we have held our Christmas market in the churchyard, but the weather has been cold, damp and miserable.

"Now we have decided to put it inside so that everyone will be dry and warm.

"It may seem strange now, but over a century ago, all sorts of events were held inside this church and others.

"They were used like village halls."

He said it was unfair to expect stallholders to stand outside for hours on cold days, and that flagstones in the churchyard became dangerous in wet weather.

The Christmas market is one of three main fundraising events held each year to help St Mary's reach the £21,000 it has to send to the Durham Diocese.

Maj Trotter said "As well as being warm and dry for a change, the fair will give visitors a chance to look round the inside of this magnificent church."