St Giles’ Church in the tiny village of Hooke, near Beaminster, is celebrating the restoration of its beautiful stained glass east window.

With just 38 households in the village, fundraising was a significant challenge. But the community rallied and raised an impressive £13,000.

A successful application to Dorset Historic Churches Trust secured the rest of the money. The Grade 1 Listed, early 15th century church of St Giles has many historical features, including a 15th century niche with a carved figure of St Giles and a surviving church bell cast in 1563.

The east window depicts the Good Shepherd giving his blessing to the praying St Giles and St Peter.

Peter Donald, hon treasurer at St Giles’, said: “If you are over 600 years old, you deserve to be looked after. We are delighted with the outcome of this project and incredibly grateful to Dorset Historic Churches Trust and the Erskine Muton Trust Fund for their support.

This work simply would not have been possible without their help, alongside the generosity and hard work of our small but dedicated community.”

He added: “The project stands as a testament to the high level of craftsmanship available locally. Special thanks are extended to Crickmay Stark Architects, Stonecroft Stained Glass Ltd and Ian Viney of Stonemasons of Dorset, for their exceptional work, expertise and dedication.”

His Honour David Grant, chairman of Dorset Historic Churches Trust, said: “The restoration at St Giles comes at a time when funding such projects is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Recent government changes mean that churches must now pay VAT on repairs, placing additional financial pressure on historic buildings already reliant on charitable support.”

The trust is encouraging more people to sign up to its annual fundraising event Ride + Stride, taking place this year on September 12.