Residents are being encouraged to support the restoration of Hitchin's historic St Mary's Church by taking part in a fundraising raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses.

Tickets are now on sale at Halsey's Deli & Eatery, Webbs of Hitchin, the Visit Hitchin shop and St Mary's Church. They cost £2 each or £10 for a book of five.

The raffle has attracted support from a range of Hitchin businesses, with prizes including two £50 food hampers from Halsey's Deli & Eatery, afternoon tea for two at Hitchin Priory Hotel, a £50 voucher and consultation from Mill Fabrics, a £50 voucher from Gemini Fashions and a £50 craft hamper from The Haberdashery.

Other prizes include a £30 voucher from Webbs of Hitchin, five £10 vouchers from Simmons Bakers, three £95 vouchers from The Hearing Clinic, a Hitchin cookbook and apron from Visit Hitchin, and a one-hour style consultation plus £30 voucher from Daliani Boutique.

Organisers hope the raffle will help raise vital funds towards ongoing restoration work at the Grade I-listed church, one of Hitchin's most recognisable landmarks.

The draw will take place at St Mary's Church on Saturday 6 June at 4pm.

Anyone wishing to support the appeal can purchase tickets from the participating outlets before the draw takes place.