FOUR benefice churches are taking part in the popular Heritage Open Days event on Saturday, September 12 between 11am and 4pm.

A Diamond of Faith celebrates the precious heritage of the church architecture and beautiful natural environment at the south end of the Malvern Hills on the edge of the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

The tower of St Faith's Church, Berrow is a distinctive feature of the countryside: there is an intriguing stone effigy in the bell tower and a Restoration Project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund is well underway.

All Saints at Hollybush was built as a Chapel of Ease by the local quarrymen, and designed by the talented Victorian architect Frederick Preedy. A recently installed commemorative window is a lovely example of contemporary stained glass art.

The Church of the Redeemer is situated by the cross-roads in Lower Pendock. Built as a mission church, it is unique in that it is wholly constructed from timber, departing from the usual practice of fixing a roof from corrugated iron. A recent Restoration means you can still smell the linseed oil!

The parish church of St John the Baptist at Eldersfield is a wonderful example of medieval church architecture: the elegant spire was added in the 14th century and was restored in 2009, with the well-named Landmark Appeal. The fine ring of six bells cast originally in 1705 will be ringing in the morning of the Heritage Open Day.

Plan your visit depending on the direction you are coming from and the opening times, so you can see the remarkable contrasts in the places of worship in this area. Information about the excellent local pubs, the Farmers Arms at Birtsmorton and the Duke of York at Berrow, will also be available so you can have a really good day out. Members of the benefice will be there to greet you with a trail leaflet at each venue giving more details about the history of the churches, and there is a children's trail.

The Heritage Open Days is the country's largest heritage festival event: last year, there were 4,600 events, with 40,000 volunteers and three million visitors. Come along this year, and add to those fantastic numbers! For more details, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory and for keywords, type in A Diamond of Faith.

ELISABETH RAMBRIDGE