A RAVENSTONEDALE Church is planning to shed light on the history behind a popular surname in a bid to raise money for restoration.

St Oswald's Parish Church will show 80 members of the Fothergill family around the area of their origins from June 16 to 18 next year.

Those who attend the event will also be able to hear a talk on local history and will also be able to see a local history exhibition highlighting Fothergill connections.

The church has received a £50,000 grant from English Heritage for necessary restoration to be carried out. However, it needs to raise a similar amount of money itself to fund the building work.

The cost of the weekend will be £175 for those wishing to stay in a parishioner's home or a B&B or £205 for those wishing to stay in a hotel.

For booking inquiries, telephone 015396 23273, e-mail kathy@coldkeld.com or visit the church website at www.ravenstonedale.org/churches.