A REVEREND, a picturesque village and a dinner party – all the classic ingredients for a murder mystery were to be found in Heighington at the weekend.

Around 100 people descended upon the Village Hall in a bid to solve the Murder at Mydwinter Manor on Saturday night.

A heinous death at the 25th birthday party of Lord Mydwinter’s long lost grandson was investigated by amateur sleuths while they enjoyed a three course meal during a sold-out charity event organised by Andrew Maxwell.

The murder mystery was penned by Heighington’s own reverend and former drama teacher, Rev Lissa Gibbons.

She said: “It had a village flavour and a church flavour and it is always good to have those in a murder mystery.

“Drama’s something I’ve always done and I love getting people acting and having fun with it.

“Most of the cast are from the village and it’s been a very enjoyable experience getting people working together and doing things.”

As a result of match funding from Barclays Bank Community Fund, the night raised £1,418 for the development of the St Michael’s Church Garden of Remembrance.

Another murder mystery evening will take place at the Willow Road Community Centre in Darlington on Saturday, January 25 from 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children, including a two course meal. They can be booked by calling 01325-312134.