A historic village church is inviting visitors to come into the cool for tea, coffee and cakes on Sunday afternoons during August and September.

St Leonard's, a 900-year-old church at the heart of Sandridge, just north of St Albans, will serve refreshments from 2pm to 5pm.

The Rev Peter Crumpler, associate minister, said: “We opened the church last August and welcomed in many visitors. This year, we have extended the opening into September as well.

“Serving refreshments gives many people with links to the church the chance to drop in and say hello. It's also the opportunity for others to take a look around the church for the first time.

“If the heatwave continues, the church could be one of the coolest places to be.”

St Leonard's is open throughout the week from 9am to 3pm, for prayer and reflection or for those wishing to explore the church.