THE eighth Great Witley Church Arts and Crafts Exhibition will raise funds for the work of the church “and to share this beautiful building with as many people as possible”.

A spokesman said: “Arguably, the finest baroque church in England, it contains some very fine ceiling paintings, famous painted glass windows and the large, marble Rysbrack Monument. With its gold and white walls, it looks like the Louvre when paintings are displayed. Entry to the exhibition is free.

“Each year, the exhibition is more exciting than the last with some really beautiful work on display.”

The programme is as follows:

Friday, August 24, at 7.30pm Preview Evening with Cocktails and Canapes , as well as a short talk by Henry Sandon of Antiques Roadshow fame, on Worcester Porcelain Painters.

Saturday, August 25 Exhibition opens officially. At 5pm there will be a Young Musicians Concert. Artworks can be bought in the interval or at the end of the concert.

The spokesman said: “Since we are next to Witley Court, we enjoy the patronage of all their visitors. To cater for all tastes, outside, in the church grounds, there will be a book stall, chocolate tombola stall, teddy tombola stall, bottle stall and bric a brac stall.”

Sunday August 26 At 9.30am there will be a Communion Service “in even more beautiful surroundings than usual”. The exhibition opens at 11am until 5pm. Stalls will be the same as Saturday with the addition of a Fresh Produce Stall and a Table Ware stall by artist Jennifer Chance.

Monday August 27 Exhibition is open 10am to 5pm. Stalls in the church grounds. The Grand Draw, with a wide array of prizes, including works donated by some of the artists, will be drawn at 4pm.

Tickets for the Preview Evening or Grand Draw tickets can be obtained from 01299 890190 or 07776 195139 or from greatwitleychurch.org.uk