Stoneygate Baptist Church in Leicester recently organised a range of activities to both bring the community together and build its own links with locals.

This involved organising stands and displays in the church itself, live music throughout the day, a raffle, craft sessions for children, talks on the local area, pamper sessions to make people feel special, refreshments and lunches and more.

The stands sold a mix of craft and food items, and were put together by a mix of people; either by those outside the church to promote or sell their own wares, or by congregation members or premises users either to promote an activity or sell items with all the proceeds going to the church.

The free event was planned by a team of five people from the church, with help from many others, and was publicised in the area and among church contacts with publicity posters, cards and a banner.

Much of Stoneygate is in a Conservation Area of the city, with many large Victorian and Edwardian houses of historical significance.

'As far as we know nothing like this has been done in the Stoneygate area of Leicester before,' said minister the Revd Peter Shepherd (pictured).

'The idea was to provide an opportunity for the local community to come together and to build links with the church.

'We had a great time - it exceeded our expectations. The sun shone and, apart from church helpers and stall-holders, we must have had over 200 through the doors.

'The objective was not to raise money, but first indications are that we made around £1,000.'