THE congregation of All Saints’ Church in Longhope raised more than £100 for Gloucestershire Action for Re­fugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS) with an auction of harvest produce.

Tina Coull, chair of Friends of Longhope Church, said: “Our harvest festival weekend saw the church decorated by volunteers with seasonal flowers and produce. Children got involved with arts and crafts during the family service, making baskets to allow them to carry home some freshly-baked cakes.

“A harvest lunch followed the service and John Smart, a very

persuasive auctioneer, started the traditional harvest festival auction. Lots included home-grown fruit and vegetables, cakes, bread and home-made beer and wine.

“All Saints’ Church has been happy to support GARAS over the last 12 months and has a collection point in the church, and also in the Central Stores village shop, for food items which are used to make up much-needed food parcels.”

In addition to the money raised at the auction, the group has raised £600 from a summer raffle, harvest lunch and a photo calendar competition.