An historic banquet was held at the parish church of St Peter and Saint Paul, Chatteris, on Friday, to celebrate the successful end of the appeal for money to repair and replace the church floor. The nine-month appeal raised £25,000 towards the overall co

An historic banquet was held at the parish church of St Peter and Saint Paul, Chatteris, on Friday, to celebrate the successful end of the appeal for money to repair and replace the church floor.

The nine-month appeal raised £25,000 towards the overall cost of works which amounted to £60,000.

The banquet, attended by 120 people, raised a further £1,750. Members of the banquet committee, led by Katherine Childs, were "absolutely delighted" with the response.

Spotlights, organised by members of Crazy Cats, shone into the rafters and the tables in the nave were prepared with floral arrangements and each place setting was candlelit.

Guests were greeted by the Revs James and Wendy Thomson with a reception of sparkling wine and canapes in the north aisle where they were entertained by the Neale-Wade string quartet, led by William McAllender.

The unique event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Hugh Duberly, who congratulated the church on its achievement. The Archdeacon, the Ven Hugh McCurdy, spoke of the need for churches to become vibrant in the community and not to be museums.

The church will host an autumn fayre tomorrow and, in the evening, the Ely Consort, with Jonathan Lilley, assistant organist from Ely Cathedral, will be in concert.