A VICAR was gunged by parishioners as part of a stunt to raise money for church improvements.

Rev Simon Kirby, right, of Witney’s St Mary’s Cogges Church, was covered in green goo at the end of a fun day launching the fundraising campaign on Sunday.

The church wants to refurbish the entrance and expand the hall after more people have attended community events in the past few years.

Mr Kirby said: “The development is going to require significant fundraising and I felt that it was only right that I should kick off the proceedings by trying to raise some money myself.

“I told the church that I was prepared to be gunged if we raised £500 on the launch day and I was delighted at how enthusiastically everyone embraced the challenge as we raised just over £1,000.”

Mr Kirby said the church hall is often booked for pre-school, youth clubs and functions, and the expansion would allow the church to host more activities.

He added: “It is a great privilege to be the vicar of such a vibrant community and we are in the fortunate position of needing more space.’’