ABBERLEY villagers hope silence will be golden in their bid to raise £20,000 for church restoration.

Events lined up to generate the necessary cash include a silent auction, taking place in Abberley Village Hall on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Although Abberley Churches Restoration Fund has given nearly £100,000 towards the upkeep of St Mary's and St Michael's churches over the past 11 years, the latest cash quest is needed for essential repairs.

Norma Bradbury, the project's fundraising secretary, said it was difficult to generate the money required with a local population of just 550 people.

She added that the money was important for the churches, explaining: "We must keep them going because of their historical value."

St Michael's dates back to medieval times, while St Mary's is 150 years old.

Among items people can bid for at Saturday's auction are garden equipment, furniture and linen. They will be on view in the village hall and people can write down what they are prepared to bid.

"It will be great fun and should get really exciting towards the end," said Mrs Bradbury, who added: "There is such a variety of items that it should be a success.

"We have been very lucky in that people have been extremely generous in donating a tremendous amount of goods."

An annual fun run will be held on Sunday, May 18 to raise more money for the restoration work.