Churchgoers are being asked to help meet the costs of £40,000 project to re-lay a floor at an Oxford parish church.

Saint Frideswide's, New Osney, is staging a gift day on Saturday to help meet the costs of repair work to the nave floor.

The work is needed because of subsidence that church leaders say has been aggravated by extensive road works over the years.

At present, the precise cost of the work is not known but it is estimated that £40,000 will be needed.

Church funds will meet half the cost and it is hoped that grants will be obtained to cover part of the remainder but money still needs to be raised in the parish.

The Revd Robert Sweeney has sent a letter to nearby householders to drum up support. An envelope is enclosed for donations.

Rev Sweeney said: "Funds raised at gift days are always devoted to capital expenditure on the church building. The running costs are borne by the normal congregation.

"Through careful housekeeping and former gift days we have just over £20,000 saved but we still need to raise money in the parish."

Donations can be made at the church on Saturday between 10am and 4pm or be given directly to church members.