Three skydivers raised more than £10,000 towards the cost of the building works at a church in Abbots Langley.

The curate of St Lawrence Church, the Revd David Warner, completed the tandem skydive along with the vicar, the Revd Dr Jo Spreadbury, and church treasurer Claire Stephenson on Monday.

Revd Warner said: “It was wonderful. It was a really good experience. For all three of us it was a first.

“It was a fantastic start. People’s generosity at all levels has been really good, and it’s raised the profile of the project.”

The extension is largely funded by a legacy donation from former parishioner, Elizabeth Hill. However, St Lawrence Church is having to raise money for the shortfall, which amounts to £64,000.

The plans include the building of proper disabled access, a kitchen, more toilet facilities and a meeting space that can be used by the whole community. The work is due to be finished in early 2016.

Although there are no plans for any more skydives, the church are hoping that members of the community will hold their own fundraisers to help raise the rest of the money.

The Revd Warner said: “We are hoping that other people will take on projects, and help in encouraging the community to get on board with whatever they feel able to do.

“We hope the extension will help the whole community. That’s been the driving force behind it.”

For more information, visit: www.abbotslangley.org.uk.