A NORTH Herefordshire vicar has installed a hen run to help raise funds for a county church.
The Reverend Mike Kneen took over at Leominster Priory just as a £500,000 restoration appeal was being launched.
“The garden of the vicarage is large enough to take a good free range hen run for the six I have introduced,” he said.
“I collect the eggs during the week and collect the donations to the roof fund at the end of the Sunday service. It’s a very satisfying system.”
Rev Kneen said the two Buff Sussex, two Maran and two Rhode Island hens have added a colourful touch to the garden.
“They have become quite a talking point, their fame is spreading beyond the parish,” he added.
“Demand is outstripping supply although they are all good layers.”
£200,000 is needed for the first stage of the restoration -replace the roof above the South Aisle.
English Heritage has offered a substantial amount towards that figure but the parish must raise £50,000 in order to secure it.
The second phase includes work to the heating system and the church’s historic Nicholson Organ.
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