A CHURCH fundraiser got more than she bargained for – literally – when she went to ask Mirfield Town Council for a grant.

Christine Sykes, a trustee of Trinity Methodist Church in Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, wanted £5,000 towards a new heating system.

But her application was rejected.

However Mrs Sykes was left stunned when councillors at Tuesday’s meeting offered an alternative grant – of £6,500!

Town councillor Martyn Bolt said the town council preferred to pay for specific items and added: “Rather than just paying towards the heating, maybe for a bit of piping, we asked if there was anything else they wanted.

“They told us they needed kitchen appliances, but said it would cost more. We were delighted to help.”

The church is undergoing a £500,000 revamp and Mrs Sykes said: “I am more used to knock-backs. This was a first!”