VILLAGERS bearing torches will parade through Purton on Saturday in a procession to raise funds and awareness of St Mary's Church.

The march planned for Saturday at 7.45pm from the church was cancelled last month because of wet weather.

A Christmas tree and an illuminated dog will be part of the spectacle.

Canon Brian Fessey, who leads services at the church, said the church had been a beacon in the community for centuries and the torch-lit procession was a way of celebrating this.