THE people of Wickham are pulling together to help raise money for the restoration of the village's Church of St Nicholas.

Tens of thousands of pounds are needed for urgent repairs to the 12th century building to stop rainwater and damp getting in.

Last year £11,000 was spent on repair work and this year the parish expects to spend up to £46,000.

Repairs to the spire, tower and roof have already been carried out and the inside will soon be redecorated.

Funds raised during Wickham Music Week, which started today, will go towards the work.

The programme features performances by musicians who have links with the area and runs until April 25.

The first five days will feature evening concerts and the following five will feature a series of workshops and masterclasses.

The concerts feature a wide range of instruments and styles including classical guitar, saxophone and piano music. Youngsters at Wickham Primary School and Rookesbury Park School have designed artwork to coincide with the festival while Wickham Vineyard and Webb's Land Vineyard are supplying wine for interval refreshments.

Money raised at the village's annual summer fete in June will also go towards the cost of the repairs.

The event also marks the 600th anniversary of the death of William of Wykeham who was born in Wickham and became Bishop of Winchester in 1398. He helped found New College Oxford which has donated money to help the parish with its repairs.

More information about Wickham Music Week is available by ringing 01329 832134. Tickets are available from Wickham Square Gallery in The Square, Wickham.