A wealthy parishioner has left £25,000 to his village church.

John Williams, of Old Church House, Spelsbury, near Charlbury, bequeathed the money to the village's historic All Saints' Church.

The gift has delighted the vicar, the Rev John Abrey, and fellow members of the congregation.

Churchwarden Lady Higgs said yesterday: "It is an absolutely marvellous gift and will probably be designated for our maintenance fund."

Mr Williams, who worked in the City, was retired and lived with his wife, Caroline, in the village for about 15 years.

Villager Helen Datson, of Church Lane, said: "He was a very popular man in Spelsbury and was definitely part of the community."

Mr Williams, who died in June, regularly attended the church which dates back to the 14th century.

The gift was part of an estate valued at more than £4.5m, most of which has been left to relatives.

But he also left a sum of £10,000 to be distributed as gifts among former employees and carers.