AN ancient church in Edmonton dating back the 12th century is celebrating its 875th anniversary with a sponsored walk.

All Saints Parish Church, a Grade II* listed building in Church Street, can trace its origins back to 1136 when Geoffrey de Mandeville endowed it to monks living at Walden Abbey, in Essex.

To celebrate the milestone, the congregation wants to honour its historic link by doing a sponsored 42-mile walk from Edmonton to the market town of Saffron Walden on April 30.

Half of all the money raised will be donated to the church for its £500,000 restoration project, which includes stonework and roof repairs.

A team of drivers will meet the 20 walkers every few miles along the way to dish out food and drink to ensure the volunteers carry as little load as possible along the countryside route.