THREE village churches have gone into "print" to celebrate the 1,400th anniversary of Christianity in the area.

The Chipping churches of St Bartholomew's, St Mary's RC and Chipping Congregational are depicted in 300 prints of a new original watercolour as part of a programme of anniversary events in the village.

The limited edition prints will be on sale, with the original work by Marion Featherstone going up for auction at the end of the month, and all proceeds will go to local charities.

The idea for the painting was just one from a committee of villagers who have united to draw up a week of activities between June 22 and 30. Other events include an open air service on Saturday, June 22 at 10am at the Congregational Church; a ringing of the bells at 2pm on June 23 at St Bartholomew's, with a charity duck race in Chipping Brook at 3pm, and an anniversary service at St Mary's at 6.30pm.

Throughout the week, the Chipping Local History Society will be holding an exhibition at St Mary's Church and Community Centre and, on June 26 at 1.30pm, children take part in a costume drama on the village green.

Many other celebrations will be taking place and the anniversary events come to a close on June 30 with a service at 6.30pm at St Bartholomew's followed by a party in the village hall.

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