VILLAGERS have their fingers crossed that a project for their village church will get people's votes and net them £90,000.

The project, in Fernham, near Uffington, will see half of its church converted into a community hall.

The bid will be featured on Central television's The People's Millions at 6pm on Wednesday, November 28.

Project supervisor Neil Sutherland said: "We're all on tenterhooks and have our fingers crossed that we'll get the necessary votes.

"We've done a massive amount of fundraising ourselves, but the £90,000 would mean the project could go ahead straight away."

The first phase will cost £120,000 and £60,000 has already been raised.

Project supporter Stephen Flint said: "It's become a real focal point for the village and has the enthusiastic support of the vicar, the Rev Richard Hancock.

"We're determined to make this a success and on this occasion we're asking for people's help in voting for us."

The phone number to call will be made available on November 28 and people will be able to find it on the www.fernham.info website or by watching the programme.

St John's Church has hosted village meetings and film nights but does not have the facilities for regular village use.

The planned conversion would use half the church while keeping the other half for worship.

The hall would be used for meetings, sports, as a day centre for the elderly, for an after-school club, and would have cooking and bathroom facilities.