CHURCH members are exploring alternative versions of its largest fundraiser of the year, in a bid to see it go ahead.

The Martinmas Fair is one of the highlights of the St Mary’s Parish Church calendar.

However, the event, which last year raised more than £6,500, cannot go ahead in the traditional way this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

An appeal was launched in the Haddington church’s newsletter calling for “new and creative ways of fundraising” and asking people to come up with “ideas and suggestions of how we might raise much-needed funds for our church whilst keeping some of that amazing spirit and atmosphere of this much-loved annual event”.

A church spokesman stressed all ideas would be checked with a health and safety advisor to ensure everything was safe.

Last year, the fundraiser saw everything from jams and chutneys to cards, crafts and jewellery on sale. For the first time, the organisers also attempted to go ‘plastic free’, with no plastic bags or carriers handed out with purchases.

Anyone with an idea for this year, or offers of help and suggestions, should contact John McMillan on 07718 669398.