It was a glorious weekend celebrating the history of Beccles and showcasing the best of the town.

And now money raised from the annual charter weekend has been donated to St Michael’s Church to help fund restoration of the South Porch.

The hugely successful weekend in July included an open garden trail, a free music event and a water bike race - helping raise thousands of pounds.

On Friday, Beccles mayor Hugh Taylor presented a cheque for £3,555.79 to the Friends of St Michael’s appeal in aid of the porch restoration.

He said: “The porch is in urgent need of restoration and performs a key role as the main entrance into Beccles’s most iconic building.

“As the largest building available for public use in Beccles, St Michael’s is very much at the heart of the community and has been so for centuries.”

Mr Taylor thanked Suffolk County council for their support in organising the weekend, including county councillor Mark Bee, who he said ‘helped support the infrastructure which underpinned the weekend’.

And plans are already underway for the next charter weekend, which will take place on July 2 and 3 2016.

The weekend, which celebrates the granting of the charter by Queen Elizabeth 1 on July 2 1584, will again include open gardens, music and arts and crafts events.

Anyone interested in inquiring about running other events over the charter weekend 2016 should contact the Town Hall on 01502 712 109 or email admin@beccles.info.