KIND-hearted Bidford folk can enjoy fund-raising and fun while helping farmers next month.

The Bidford Big Bash will take place in St Laurence's Church on June 30, at 3pm. The event is being held in aid of official church farming charity, the Farming Community, based at Stoneleigh, the home of the Royal Show, which was cancelled this year because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Amanda Fulham, who is helping to organise the event, said the Big Bash was an opportunity for all talented groups within the village to come together and show their support for the farmers nationwide whose farms had been hit by the disease.

The entertainment planned for the afternoon includes two organists, songs from the vicar's wife Jane Hall, Irish dancers and a German drinking song.

There will also be a raffle and tickets will be included in the price of a programme, due to be on sale soon, at £2 for adults and £1 for children.

Janet Gatward, manager of the Rural Stress Information Network who is due to attend the bash, said: "The over-riding purpose is to offer an afternoon of fun, frivolity and fund-raising.

"Our aim is to bring together as many Bidfordians as possible to enjoy making music, socialising and raising money for the farmers."