VILLAGERS plan to "fight back" after the side effects of the foot and mouth disease crisis left Upper Arley's St Peter's Church struggling to survive.

The crisis has deprived the village of tourists - with the knock on effect that church running costs of £225 a week have not been met, creating a £3,000 shortfall, according to churchwarden Charles Beer.

He said: "Like many other village churches, we are reliant upon the generosity of visitors to help with the financial upkeep of the church - this year has seen a dramatic fall in this income.

"You only have to look around to see churches that are now fashionable homes, wine bars, shops or factories to know that closure for some is already a reality."

A village fair was held in August to boost the economy and was described by Mr Beer as a "resounding success".

Action is again being taken to draw attention to Upper Arley's plight, with a "gift day" planned for Saturday from 10am to 4pm when Canon Owain Bell will be in the church to accept donations from people "who want to see this beautiful and ancient church survive".

"We intend to fight back," Mr Beer added. "Many people are under the misapprehension that local Anglican churches are centrally-funded from a massive pot of gold.

"They also seem to think the church cleans, warms and maintains itself by magic, so that it is available for their occasional visits for baptisms, weddings and funerals."