This year St Mary's Church in Ellesmere has decided to take part in the 'Cherish your Churchyard' week set up by the charity God's Acre.

The event runs from now until Saturday, June 16 and in preparation for this the church group have been busy carrying out some fairly major tree pruning and removal, general clearance and tidying and laying the foundations for a second wildlife area. A number of bird boxes have also been placed in trees around the churchyard too.

The week of events at S. Mary's started last Sunday with an illustrated talk on clocks (including the magnificent sundial which has recently been restored in the churchyard) by local historian Chris Jobson.

On Friday, June 15 there is a brief talk and tour on the history of the Church by Estelle Parker at 2.30pm.

On Saturday, June 16 the church and church tower will be open for visitors to enjoy the magnificent views of the town from the top of the church tower.

As part of the week's events there is a poetry and art competition and the entries will be in display on the Saturday open afternoon.

The church will also be open every afternoon from 2-4pm for visitors and tea and homemade cakes will be served.

All events in the church are free to attend and everyone is invited to join to celebrate the wonderful green space which is the churchyard in the centre of the town.