A church has been handing out hot water bottles in an unusual bid to keep its chilly congregation warm during services.

St Nicholas Church, in Falcon Square, Castle Hedingham has bought 12 hot water bottles after noticing that members of the 30 strong congregation were keeping their coats on during services because of the cold.

Maurice Jones, a member of the Parochial Church Council, said: “The hot water bottles make it a bit more comfortable and it has worked out pretty well so far."

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.