Villagers will be taking part in a weekend of harvest activities in a bid to raise cash for charity.

St Andrew’s Church in Earls Colne is staging a host of events on both Saturday and Sunday to mark the beginning of autumn.

The weekend will begin with a guided walk around the village on Saturday. The Church will be opening its doors throughout the day and offering refreshments.

A working party organized by Churchyard Friends will be clearing the upper churchyard from 10am and a tour of the church tower which offers stunning views of Earls Colne will be taking place throughout the afternoon.

On the Sunday, there will be numerous services taking place inside the church, with Holy Communion the first to take place from 8am.

The popular soft toy parachute drop from the church tower begins after the harvest thanksgiving, and a barbecue will be held to keep visitors from getting hungry.

The activities will be brought to and end with a Harvest Sunset walk, which is centred around three tributaries to the River Colne.

All money raised from the weekend will be split between the Essex Air Ambulance, Send a Cow and English for Women.

Anyone wishing to take part in either of the two walks is asked to book their place and make a donation of £3.

To book, contact Ray on 07734 450221.