Church sells bits of Boston Stump

The church dates back to the 13th Century

Church officials are selling off chunks of a medieval Lincolnshire landmark to raise money for its restoration.

St Botolph's Church, also known as the Boston Stump, is the largest parish church in England.

The church said that the Princess Royal has agreed to be patron of the £3m appeal to raise money for the restoration work.

Church appeals manager Peter Coleman said they hope to raise between £5 and £50 for each piece of church rock.

Seven-hundredth anniversary

"We are going to sell off bits of the stump that are replaced in the restoration programme - and will price them according to their size and the amount of carving on them," Mr Coleman said.

The plans for redevelopment include new toilets, refurbished stops and renovation of the 272ft (83m) church tower.

Mr Coleman said the pieces of church stone, which may date from as far back as the 15th Century, will be on sale in the church shop.

He said the church hopes to raise the money in time for the Stump's 700th anniversary celebrations in 2009.