THE energetic great-great-great granddaughter of the builder of Frampton Chapel is working hard to Stop the Rot in the near 250-year-old building.

Rose Hewlett, a worshipper at the Frampton-on-Severn Congregational Church, encouraged her neighbours to help her run a May fair to raise funds for repairs to the Grade II listed building.

Miss Hewlett, 50, who moved back to Frampton in 2000, is the descendant of Daniel Hewlett, who built The Chapel, as it is known, from local brick in 1776.

"The Chapel has recently suffered a devastating outbreak of dry rot," she said.

"The pulpit, altar and staging area have had to be completely removed. They will eventually be replaced when the walls have been treated and dried out."

Around £35,000 is needed to restore the building to its former glory.

So Miss Hewlett asked villagers living near her in Vicarage Lane, Glebe Close and Meadow View in Frampton to lend a hand.

"The normally quiet cul-de-sacs became a hive of activity as residents strived to help. I never imagined that the support would be so great," Miss Hewlett said.

Lawns were mowed, gardens tidied, and stalls prepared for the big day of the fair.

Bunting adorned many houses, several gardens were opened to visitors, lunches and teas were served and almost £2,000 was raised.

Many people also went to The Chapel to see the extent of the work which is needed and a competition to name the next piglets to be kept by Miss Hewlett.

It was won by Heather Brazington with the names Poke and Prod.

Church minister the Rev Dr John Hunter said: "I am amazed that so many people gave up their time and skills to help us find such an enormous amount of money.

"We have a tremendous community spirit within the village and I am very grateful."

Future fundraising events to swell the appeal coffers, which now have around £12,000 in them, include a concert by the Rondo Singers and the sale of excess produce from the village allotments.