A Country Fayre and flower festival is to be held this weekend to raise cash for a church ravaged by woodpeckers.

The theme of the festivities is Findon Past and Present and parishioners have been busy putting together flower displays.

Woodpeckers have been causing havoc by drilling holes in the spire at St John the Baptist Church in Findon.

They set up home several years ago and, since then, more than 30 holes have appeared, big enough for crows to squeeze through and nest in the roof.

Church-goers face a bill of around £40,000 to replace the tiles and treat the spire so the birds stop pecking it.

To help raise the cash to pay for repairs, there will be displays of spinning, weaving, wood craft and plenty of fun for the children at the country fayre this weekend.

The fund-raising weekend kicks off with a preview evening tonight, hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Hugh Wyatt, and his wife Jane, who are members of the congregation.

The festival itself is free and will run tomorrow from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 6pm in the grounds of Findon Place.

Visitors will be able to ring the bells for a small donation with a display of morris dancing on Bank Holiday Monday.

Parishioner, Anne Tanner, said: "The woodpeckers have been there for many years but now we have a problem. They are putting holes in the tiles to get to the insects.

"The crows are going in after the woodpeckers and nesting in the spire.

"We think they are a nuisance because they are ruining our church spire but they are lovely birds. They are just living in the wrong place."

Tickets for tonight cost £10 and are available from 01903 872192 or 872625 or 872267.