A 10-hour hymn marathon is taking place in Eaton Socon tomorrow (Thursday, October 26) to help raise £25,000 towards the restoration of a church organ. Church warden David Barker and his wife, Judith, who is the church organist, have been fundraising for

A 10-hour hymn marathon is taking place in Eaton Socon tomorrow (Thursday, October 26) to help raise £25,000 towards the restoration of a church organ.

Church warden David Barker and his wife, Judith, who is the church organist, have been fundraising for two years in order to restore the organ at St Mary's Parish Church.

Mr Barker, who is also a retired band master, told The Hunts Post: "Eaton Socon has had a church on this site for almost a thousand years.

"The church organ is a key part of Eaton Socon, not just the church but also the community. It has been used in times of happiness at weddings and baptisms, and also in sadness at funerals."

The marathon will include the first and last verse of all the hymns in the Church of England Common Praise Hymnbook

Mr and Mrs Barker, who have been attending the parish church since they moved to the village in 1971, will work their way through no less than 628 songs.

So far, a total of £4,000 has been raised for the restoration project through various fundraising activities including cake and jam sales.

St Neots Town Council has also promised a grant of £7,000 towards the restoration.

Mr Barker, added: "So far about 90 people have sponsored us and we are hoping to raise in excess of £1,000.

"We want as many people as possible to come and sing along and help us raise as much money as possible.

"The organ, which hasn't been cleaned since 1967, was purchased from Dudley Parish Church in 1930 after a fire destroyed the Eaton Socon Parish Church organ."

INFORMATION: The event starts at 9.30am and anyone wanting to sponsor or find out more should visit www.stmaryseatonsocon.org.uk