A SMALL church congregation faced with the task of raising £35,000 is organising a sponsored walk as a weekend pilgrimage.

The ten regular congregation members of St Michael and All Angels Church in Meeth hope to raise a substantial amount towards their project of replastering the inside of the church by walking from their church to St Michael's in Chagford.

The walk will take place over the weekend of September 27/28, which is Michaelmas, and there will be no overnight stop. Walkers will be brought to either Meeth or Hatherleigh and taken back to the starting point on Sunday morning.

Free lunches will be provided for all those with sponsors and the route has been planned in sections so that people can walk a short section rather than the whole 21 miles. Transport will be on hand.

It is hoped non-walkers will encourage the pilgrims by sponsoring their efforts. Further information on taking part or sponsoring is available from churchwarden Mrs B Toop on 01837 810553.