A Whitstable church is set to get a clay-covered helping hand in raising funds for essential roof repairs.

Potter Keith Brymer-Jones, from the hit BBC2 show The Great British Pottery Throw Down, is making 264 bucket mugs which will sold in aid of the appeal.

Marked with the phrase ‘Abide with Tea’, the mugs are priced at £11.95.

The Rev Rachel Webbley said: “I was absolutely thrilled when Keith said he would create some mugs for us.

“We are all extremely grateful to Keith for his generous offer of support. It’s indicative of so many of the local people who have taken on challenges, or offered their time and talents to help us. We’re still working hard to reach the £150,000 needed to replace the roof of our beautiful Victorian church.

“It’s what goes on under the roof which is important, and we really see this church as a place of welcome for the whole community.”

Launched two years ago, the Raise the Roof appeal is now just £12,000 off its total.

Among other donators to the appeal are property mogul George Wilson and Whitstable painter Ginny Scadeng has contributed a painting of the church which has since been printed onto tea-towels, notelets and magnets.

Bishop Trevor Willmott, the Bishop of Dover, will be at St Alphege on Monday for a service at 11am.

A fun day is also being hosted at the church, with a bouncy castle, tombola and face-painting activities being on offer from 9am till 3pm on Easter Monday.

Anyone interested in ordering a limited edition Keith Brymer-Jones mug, or a piece of Ginny Scadeng merchandise email mugsalesstalphege@outlook.com.