Fancy meeting an Alpaca or trying your hand at stone carving? Come along to St Mary's Churchyard to enjoy special events around Hitchin's historic heart next Saturday, showcasing all that the area has to offer with the Church included.

On Churchyard Day, 7th June from 10 am until 4pm Visit Hitchin's team has laid on entertainment, including an alpaca, don't ask why!

The wonderful independent shops and businesses which nestle around the Church will be buzzing with activity.

Meanwhile, St Mary's will hold an open day with guided tours and refreshments as well as a chance to 'sponsor a stone in the window restoration'.

Major repair work is under way to the large gothic windows on the North side of the Grade 1 listed building, with one of the four which suffer from degraded stonework almost finished. Specialist masons are assembling ready cut stones in a sort of jigsaw ready to fit into place in the beautiful tracery windows. On Saturday between 10.30 am and 2 pm one of the expert stonemasons from specialist heritage building firm Bakers of Danbury Ltd will be at work in front of the south porch and you might even get a chance to try your hand at stone cutting yourself.

As part of fundraising efforts St Mary's will offer the chance to sponsor one of the carved pieces which are going to complete the project, with prices from £10 upwards. Their team will be on hand to explain how it all works and how you can help with the ongoing challenge to complete this phase of the wider renewal & Community Hub project.

If you would like to learn more about the wonderful medieval gem, guides will be leading free tours between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm, to learn all about the fascinating history and sights of the largest Parish Church in Hertfordshire, including some lesser known nooks and crannies. Refreshments are on offer and unique souvenirs of St Mary's on sale.