THE recently launched fund for the reordering of the West End of Walkhampton Church was swelled by a massive £650 thanks to the generosity of two local companies.

The sum raised from a recent general knowledge quiz held in the village far exceeded the expectations of the organisers.

Ginsters of Callington sponsored the pasty supper that was provided half way through the evening. And a licenced bar, partly sponsored by Simon Loveless of Princetown Breweries was available.

Fifteen teams took part and the winners Al's Angels — a team from the church bell ringers — donated the cash prize back into the fund.

The work on the church is necessary because of structural work required to the bell tower to make it safe and water tight.

Rather than just spending funds doing the bare minimum structural work, the Parochial Church Council has opted for an ambitious scheme to sympathetically enhance the facilities available in the building.

This includes installing a toilet and kitchen facilities to enable the premises to be used more often as well as providing a small meeting room.

The Rev Nick Shutt said the church has been 'greatly encouraged' by the generosity of Ginsters and Princetown Breweries in assisting with the fund raising.

'It is good to see local businesses supporting our efforts and making themselves part of the communities they supply,' she said.

'Their generosity has been matched by the generosity of the local community in and around Walkhampton who have given generously to the proposed work in supporting our gift day and fundraising event.'

He said the church's architects are now preparing a scheme which it is hoped will be available for consideration by the Parochial Church Council in the New Year.

The Rev Shutt said: 'This is quite a turn around for the church community in Walkhampton as only 15 to 20 years ago the Diocese of Exeter was seriously considering closing the church building as the congregation dwindled.'

He said Walkhampton Church now had a 'dedicated and lively congregation' who enjoy the support and good wishes of the wider community.