The bizarre world of Father Ted and the residents of Craggy Island took over a village pub at the weekend to raise money for a picturesque church.The Bell Pub at Hemsby hosted a Father Ted themed night to raise funds for maintenance and re-thatching work at the village's St Mary the Virgin Church.

The bizarre world of Father Ted and the residents of Craggy Island took over a village pub at the weekend to raise money for a picturesque church.

The Bell Pub at Hemsby hosted a Father Ted themed night to raise funds for maintenance and re-thatching work at the village's St Mary the Virgin Church.

About 50 people dressed as characters from the popular 1990s Channel Four comedy, including Father Jack and housekeeper Mrs Doyle.

Father Adrian Ling of St Mary the Virgin Church, who organised Friday's event with congregation member Ted Liddiment, said: “It was a last blow-out for members of the congregation before they give up pleasures such as alcohol, cigarettes or chocolate for Lent. For myself, it was the last pint of Guinness until Easter Day.

“February can be a dull and difficult month, but the Father Ted Night with disco, karaoke and the finest Irish music, helped dispel the winter blues, and raised �100 for Hemsby church funds.”

The church, which dates back to the fourteenth century, needs to raise �24,000 a year just to meet running and maintenance costs.

The organisers of Tedfest, a festival for fans of Father Ted which takes place annually on the Aran Islands off Galway in Ireland, have sent two complimentary festival tickets, worth 300 Euros, to be auctioned to support Hemsby church's fundraising. Anyone who wants to bid for the tickets for the event, which takes place from March 4 to 7, should contact Father Ling on 01493 393227.