PARISHIONERS hope three toys donated to a church will be a hit with visitors to its Christmas fair.

The three futuristic toys were handed to Audrey Topping, a member of St Peter's Church, in Byers Green, near Spennymoor, after a chance meeting in a shop.

Mrs Topping, of Newfield, had been overheard talking about her love of restoring dolls with someone at a petrol station.

The next time she called in, the shop assistant said a customer had left the toys to see if she could make use of them.

She took the items back to St Peter's and church members decided to sell the battery-operated trio at its annual festive fete in the church hall on Saturday, November 28, from 1pm to 3pm.

Proceeds from the event, including the sale of the toys, will go towards upkeep of the 1844 building.

Church warden Audrey Burnett said: "It was a bit of a surprise when Audrey was just handed these toys but we're hoping they'll appeal to someone before Christmas, they're all big moving toys so someone will get enjoyment from them.

"We really appreciate the donation and hopefully they can help us raise a bit of money for the church."

Admission to the Christmas fair will be £1 and includes tea and a mince pie.