Happy champing
CAMPERS can take a snooze in the pews at a historic county church.
St Michael’s in Stretton-en-lefield plans to open its doors to overnight guests.
Dubbed ‘champing’ - camping in a church - the money-raising initiative will see pews pushed together in the 300-year-old building.
The champers will bed down beneath St Michael’s warm-tone sandstone walls and the elegant spire rising above the trees.
The ancient place of worship has changed little over the centuries and includes many ancient monuments and carved wooden features.
There is also a sitting area with camp chairs, fairy lights and cushions.
The unique concept, known as champing, was created by The Churches Conservation Trust to help protect historic churches at risk of going into disrepair.
Hundreds of happy champers stayed overnight at ancient spaces in Summer 2017, inspiring the trust to open up 16 more churches for the event.
All income raised goes back to conserving the buildings.
The church is for the exclusive use of each group or couple that stays the night, with guests only needing to bring bedding and refreshments.
Rate are from £49 per person, with a 10 per cent discount available on all stays booked before March 1, and 20 per cent off for groups of eight or more. Dogs are welcome to come along.
Bookings can be made on the Champing website, with the season running from March 26 to September 30.