Money raised by a polo match this weekend will be added to the funds of All Saints' Church in Sancton, and will be used to re-hang the existing bells in the tower.

The game will be played at Houghton Hall and churchwarden Jim Reckitt hopes the one-off event will boost funds.

He said: "The PCC (Parochial Church Council) discussed what fundraising activities we could do to help raise money and Paul Piddington from the Vale of York Club offered to organise a charity day, which we thought was a good idea.

"In addition to the main event, which is an inter-club polo match, there will be a number of side stalls and a raffle, as well as a chance for people to try out their polo skills from the relative safety of a wooden horse."

A Pimms bar and afternoon tea will also be on offer, courtesy of The Star pub restaurant in the village.

The PCC estimates £55,000 is needed to refurbish the church's existing bells, two of which date back to the 16th century.

The money will also cover three more new bells, bringing the total to six and allowing bell ringing to be practised at the church.

The PCC has started the fundraising by adding £10,000 and is exploring other ways to meet its target.

Built overlooking the village, All Saints' is thought to be one of only two existing churches in Yorkshire with an octagonal tower.
Mr Reckitt added: "We've only just started the fundraising but I'd like to think that we could get the work completed in two years."

The polo match at Houghton Hall will start at 2pm on Sunday, and the gates will open at 12.30pm.

The entry cost is £10 per vehicle.

Paul Piddington, of the Vale of York Polo Club, said: "All week I am very busy teaching classes and training more experienced players, but if I can help Sancton get its bells restored, I'm more than happy to do my bit."