VILLAGERS have breathed new life into an ancient charity to re-vitalise their community.

Sturminster Marshall is holding a festival this weekend and ultimately supporters hope to raise £120,000 to refurbish the Old School as a focus for the promotion of culture.

In 1799 benefactor William Mackrell endowed the charity which built a school at Sturminster Marshall.

The school was swallowed up by the state system following changes in legislation and the charity fell into disuse.

When Alistair Stewart-Sykes became vicar three years ago he saw an opportunity to bring villagers together in a stimulating way.

"I published a book in 2001, launched it in the building and used the funds for the Mackrell Charity of which nobody had heard."

A series of well-attended Mackrell Lectures was begun and the building is now used for art, Italian and computers courses for the over-50s. The youth club meets there and there is a course-work club.

Three years on the festival is a way of reporting back to the village.

Alistair is launching his latest book on The Lord's Prayer and a there will be a lecture on the same subject by Professor David Catchpole from Exeter University.

"This brings lots of people together who probably would never otherwise have met each other," Alistair said.

Tickets are £4 from Dee Butterfield on 01258 857200.

HOPEFUL: Rev Alistair Stewart-Sykes and new book

First published: Sept 9