A VILLAGE vicar who was bowled over by the success of his church's African cricket festive appeal has decided to push the boundaries further, by extending the campaign into the New Year.
Thankfully, this year's Christmas present appeal has been no great slog for the Reverend Patrick Sherring, the rector of Ingatestone Parish Church.
The clergyman was hit for six by villagers' generosity after receiving more than 200 toys and games, each of which will be handed to children in some of the world's poorest nations including Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana and Cameroon later this year.
A huge cuddly bear, a telescope, a football and giraffe puppet were among the double century of treasures handed over in two Christmas Eve services at the Parish Church of St Edmund and St Mary in the High Street.
The gifts will be taken overseas by volunteers from the charity Cricket Without Boundaries later this year.
In total the hoard is thought to be worth hundreds of pounds.
The parish church is situated next to Fairfield, the home of Ingatestone and Fryerning Cricket Club.
And with such a strong response to the appeal and the potential to improve the lot of many more impoverished Africans, Mr Sherring was delighted to announce an extension to the appeal until January 20.
As for donating presents to the appeal, Mr Sherring, 57, said: "People are able to come along to any of our church services or instead leave them at the rectory.
"Even if I'm not there they can leave them there.
"It's a fantastic way for local people to connect with some of the poorest people in the world and it's a wonderful thing to be able to do.
"Remarkably you will be giving in an anonymous and rewarding way, because you know that your gift is going to be appreciated but you don't know exactly who it is going to help, so it gives a real sense of giving.
"And around Christmas time were are reminded that giving is better than receiving, as Jesus said."
Keith Brown, who runs The Fryerning Foundation charity, introduced the church to Cricket Without Boundaries, which, since 2005, has raised awareness of HIV and AIDS to children in Africa through the teaching of cricket.
Fryerning resident Mr Brown, who is also a board member at Essex County Cricket Club, said: "These kids are desperately poor – some have not even got shoes so if people even want to donate new shoes they would be equally welcome.
"We have such wonderful Christmases here but the kids living in those poorest African countries won't experience anything like that.
"They are so desperate and deprived, we need to help them."
You can make a contribution to the appeal by handing over a new toy or game at any service in St Edmund and St Mary Church or outside Mr Sherring's home at The Rectory, in Rectory Close, Fryerning Lane, Ingatestone, before Sunday, January 20.
