Scores of churches in the east of the district opened their doors last weekend, from tiny simplicity of Clixby's wayside chapel to the grandeur of both Market Rasen's St Thomas' and Methodist Churches.


This Saturday and Sunday the focus moves westwards with those churches in villages skirting the A15, Snitterby, Bishop Norton, Glentham, Normanby, Owmby, Saxby, Spridlington, Hackthorn, Riseholme, Nettleham and west of the road towards the Trent all opening up.


Treasures worth uncovering on May 17 and 18 are All Saints in the cow pats, at Greetwell, litterally in the middle of a field above the River Witham, tiny St Edith at Coates by Stow and the golliath Stow Minster and also St Mary at Knaith which is a curiosity sitting on the Trent banks.


In readiness for the two weekend festival a conference was held at Hemswell Court


with keynote speaches from Market Rasen's Venerable Jane Sinclair, Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey, Daron Childs, from sponsors Clergy and Professional, Helen Gamble from the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, and Sue Kelly from the Wrexham Open Churches Network.


Tourism Development Officer Mirella Clark said: "The Group also looked at case studies from Greetwell Church, Owmby Group and Riby Church and workshops looked at issues including funding, conservation, PR and advertising and health and safety."




Sponsors of this year's Festival are Clergy and Professional, in association with St James's Place Partnership.




Further details available in brochures that can be picked up in participating churches, at Tourist Information Centres or at the Rasen Mail, also www.churchesfestival.com.