HIDDEN away deep in the heart of the Suffolk countryside is a secluded church with an impressive secret.

The artwork on the ceiling of St Mary’s Church in Huntingfield, near Halesworth, leaves many a visitor wide-eyed in awe.

The magnificent looking frescos were painted in the 1800s by the then-vicar’s wife - a feat that saw her suspended in a hammock for years on end.

The visitors’ book at the church is full of compliments to the colourful images, with one describing it as the “Sistine Chapel of Suffolk”.

Church warden Marjorie Day admits many people do not even know the artwork exists - although that changed recently after appearing in a publication from local estate agents Flick and Son.

The church has seen an influx of visitors in recent weeks - boosting its ambitions to fit a new kitchen and toilet.

Mrs Day, 83, said: “We have always had quite a few visitors but we have definitely seen a few more in recent weeks. It’s a wonderful ceiling and quite a feat.

“People often say they’ve never seen anything quite like it. There are a lot of people who don’t even know it exists.

“It was created by the parson’s wife in the 1800s - she laid on her back in a hammock and they hoisted her up to paint it. It’s marvellous.”

Mrs Day said the recent rise in the number of visitors had been a huge boost for the church, which is raising �48,000 for a new toilet and kitchen.

Anyone who would like to help with the fundraising efforts can send a cheque made payable to “Huntingfield PCC Fabric Fund” to Mrs Day at 9 Holland Rise, Huntingfield, Halesworth, IP19 0PT.

THE stunning ceiling at St Mary’s Church was painted by Mildred Holland, the wife of Reverend William Holland.

Between 1859 and 1866 she planned, designed and executed the elaborate redecoration.

For seven years she laid on her back at the top of scaffolding, first in the chancel and then in the nave, gilding, lettering and painting the roof.

Her husband kept a journal throughout this period and there is no suggestion that she had any assistance, beyond that of workmen to raise the scaffolding and a Mr E L Blackburne FSA, who was known as an authority on medieval decoration.

Mrs Holland died in the 1870s, predeceasing her husband by 20 years.

They are both now buried by the churchyard gate.