The Prince of Wales has backed an appeal to raise �350,000 for a major redevelopment of Fakenham Parish Church.

The appeal was launched earlier this month and there are planned improvements to the worship area and to make the entrance more accessible for disabled people.

There are also plans to build a book shop and storage area, to install a new lighting and sound system and to restore the peal of eight bells.

Rector of Fakenham, the Rev Adrian Bell, said: 'We wrote to the Prince of Wales' Charitable Foundation and, at the weekend, we received a letter from Clarence House, from Prince Charles and the trustees of the foundation explaining that they would be very pleased to support our appeal and they have kindly made a donation.

'They said they were impressed with the work that the church does with the community and their support brings great publicity to our appeal.'

He added: 'Fakenham has a long-running connection with the royal family, with the Sandringham Estate down the road and, also, royals used to come into Fakenham years ago and buy bread from Moore's Bakery.'

The church's appeal has also been boosted by support from the Bishop of Norwich, the Rev Graham James, who has agreed to be its patron.

The work is expected to start next year and to take three to four years to complete.

Rev Bell said: 'The first part of the project will be to improve the altar area and create a side chapel.

'We recently hosted concert of the world famous St Martin in the Field Concert Orchestra and while they said the acoustics in the church were excellent it was clear that the large orchestra would have valued extra space and the audience better visibility.

'We hope to make Fakenham Parish Church a major concert venue in the town.'

The church is to hold a grand book and jigsaw fayre on October 29 from 10am to 1pm. To donate books and jigsaws or find out more about the appeal, telephone 01328 862268.