A UNIQUE silent auction has raised more than £1,500 towards much-needed church repairs.

The Friends of St Nicholas Church held a summer exhibition and auction at the Castle Hedingham Church on July 1.

Artists from the area have donated pieces, ranging from watercolours to screen prints, all of which are up for sale.

The auction had a slight twist though, being a 'silent' auction, residents could bid on all the items without revealing their identity.

Chris Applebee, an artist for the area, and member of Friends of St. Nicholas Church, said: "It went really well in all honest, it was fantastic.

"We were over the moon to raise £1,500, we never quite expected that much, and there is still a little more to come.

"It comes down to the kindness of the artists who offered to take part, and the generosity of the bidders."

For more information, visit friendsofstnicholas.blogspot.co.uk.