St Mary's Church in Ashwell is inviting visitors to sponsor their favourite hymn with their annual Hymnathon.

The 'marathon day of joyful singing' will take place from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, October 19.

Last year the church held its first Hymnathon, singing more than 70 hymns without a break from 10am to 4pm.

A church spokesperson said: "There were many lovely and touching stories which emerged of weddings, special remembrance and school assembly, hymns that captured important moments in people's lives.

"At one stage we had more than 40 people of all ages in the choir stalls."

This year the congregation plans to sing 100 hymns, led by the choir leader and organist, and each will be scored off on the Ashwell Cricket Club scoreboard.

You can sponsor your favourite hymn at www.JustGiving.com/page/hymnathon-2024.

This year the church is hoping to surpass last year's target and raise £3,000 to further music in the church and for new choir stalls.

The current stalls, which date back to the 1970s, are heavy and awkward to move. Funds raised will help replace them with lightweight wooden stalls which can be moved around more easily.

The Mother's Union will serve refreshments throughout the day.