PARISHIONERS stumped up a bumper sum of cash to boost a Barrhead church’s coffers at an annual get-together.

Organisers of the United Reformed Church’s fundraising fair were left awestruck when they totted up all of the donations.

The event saw visitors of all ages stop by the Aurs Drive venue to sample some home-baking and put their hand in their pocket in support of the church.

Proceeds from the fair, which generated £800, will now go towards the overall maintenance of the 173-year-old building.

Rena Hannah, URC secretary, thanked all those who stopped by to lend their support.

She told the Barrhead News: “Our annual fair was great. We always hold it in late autumn but it’s not specifically a Christmas fair.

“We raised £800, which is one of the highest totals we’ve ever had, and the money is for church funds. The people who were there dug really deep and that was brilliant.

“We got lots of donations of home-baking. Lots of the ladies who do crochet and knitting donated prizes too.

“The money will be put towards anything to do with the fabric of the church, such as new communion cups or any internal decorations.

“Our church dates back to 1844, so it’s a very old building, and you have to keep it up to scratch.”

Rena is inviting Barrhead residents along to the church’s upcoming festivities.

She continued: “The next event we are going to have is our Christmas coffee morning on Sunday, December 3.

“We also do soup and sandwiches free of charge every six weeks after morning worship.”

For more details about forthcoming events, call the church on 0141 261 0688, visit barrheadurc.org.uk or email RevAndyBraunston@gmail.com.