A CHURCH will stage a beer festival to raise money to restore a unique stained glass window.

The Otley All Saints Parish Church Beer Festival will be held in November at the civic centre.

And it is hoped the festival, the first the church has ever organised, could become an annual feature in the town's social calendar.

The Reverend Graham Buttanshaw, vicar of All Saints, said the idea was to get beer from up to 18 micro breweries.

"Paul Briscoe, of Otley's Briscoe's Brewery, will be there and has helped me out with a list of micro breweries. We shall be asking each one to give us a couple of barrels each," he said.

Each of the beers will have an explanation about their history and make-up and there will also be food on offer.

Mr Buttanshaw added: "We shall also be asking Morris dancers, line dancers and musicians to come along.

"I think it will be a great contribution to the community and should become a significant event in the annual calendar."

Money raised from the event will go towards the church's £65,000 East Window Appeal.

The church is also planning a Festival of Creativity, which will take place over two days in September.

The festival, which will take place in the church, will include vegetables, flowers, and displays of handicraft.

Mr Buttanshaw said: "We want to encourage people to be creative."

As well as displays of peoples' work, there will also be workshops for people to try out drawing and gardening.

The festival of creativity is due to take place on September 6 and September 7.