A VINTAGE transport rally and family fun day launched a cash drive in aid of a village church.

About £4,500 was raised towards a building fund for St John's Church, Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, which aims to make the building more accessible.

The Reverend Lynda Gough hopes to provide disabled toilet facilities and a room to use as a Sunday School or community facility for groups such as parent and toddlers.

She said: "The church is not just for religious gathering, but a central point for the community and at the moment there are some people that cannot visit church because of the lack of facilities, such as a disabled toilet.

"We could do so much with a new room - it would be nice to hold a Sunday School and Christmas parties for children and older residents."

On Saturday, mother and son Rosemary and Stephen Cleminson hosted a rally and fun day at their home, Bowbank House Farm, on the outskirts of the village to launch the campaign.

Hundreds of people flocked to the event which included an auction of promises, treasure hunt, music from Spennymoor Town Band and a children's art competition.

Church warden John Little said the fun day helped raise the profile of the church's efforts, launch the fund and bring together the community.

He said: "It was very well supported, from those who contributed to visitors. Everyone especially appreciates the Cleminsons' efforts. The money is a wonderful start to the fund and will hopefully help us attract funding from other sources."