Views across rolling fields to as far away as the coast awaited visitors who climbed the 141ft to the top of the tower at Lavenham Church.

East Anglian Daily Times: Richard Payne look at the view of Lavenham with volunteer Philip Snelling from the St Paul and St Peter's Church tower during an open day on Saturday, 8 August.Richard Payne look at the view of Lavenham with volunteer Philip Snelling from the St Paul and St Peter's Church tower during an open day on Saturday, 8 August.

The tower at the 15th-century church is usually open only once a year so many people grabbed the opportunity on Saturday.

The Reverend Stephen Earl said more than 350 visitors of all ages climbed the tower, with the open day raising more than £1,200 for church funds.

He said: “There were magnificent views from the top.

“You could see I think the radio mast at Martlesham and the tops of cranes just on the horizon at either Felixstowe or Harwich.

“And there was a lovely view of the roofscape as it were of Lavenham with all of the lovely historic buildings.”

He added: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get great views.”

The Rev Earl said visitors got to enjoy two stops on the way up to the main attraction.

In the ringing chamber where the eight bells are rung they were also shown the clock workings, and people then got to see the top of the bells’ ropes before emerging in the fresh air.

The Rev Earl said the day had been “very successful”. “People really appreciated it,” he added. The church dates back to the late 1400s and is Grade I Listed.