PP:42421701.jpg:The Rev Martin Hodson of Redhill Baptist Church with some of the tools donated for the Harvest Festival with a difference

A HARVEST festival with a difference has taken place at a city church in a bid to help developing countries.

Instead of collecting the usual fruit and vegetables, the congregation at Redhill Baptist Church, Cannon Street, was asked to bring in tools.

The idea came from Rob Giles, one of the church leaders, who linked the appeal with Christian charity Tools with a Mission (TWAM).

It specialises in collecting and reconditioning tools to help businesses and smallholdings in Asia and Africa, including Angola and Malawi.

Minister, the Rev Martin Hodson said the event had proved a massive success.

"We've had all sorts of tools donated, including sewing machines, building tools, hammers, chisels and spirit levels," he said.

"Hopefully, these tools will help people who are in far greater poverty then ourselves to eke out a living."

The idea proved so successful, the church is considering doing the same again next year.