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.