A Keighley priest is pulling a fast one in a bid to complete roof repairs at his church.

The Rev Peter Mott hopes his loss will be Keighley Shared Church's gain over the next five weeks.

He says he will not be led into temptation as he embarks on a sponsored slim during the period of Lent.

Mr Mott will try to lose 11lbs while boosting the church's efforts to raise £142,000 for the second phase of roof refurbishments.

The church, which is shared by Anglican and Methodist congregations - successfully raised £107,000 last year for the first phase.

Repairs included re-lining the nave parapet gutters with lead, re-covering the north aisle roof with steel, and re-pointing stonework.

Churchgoers, businesses, organisations and individuals donated more than £10,000, with the rest coming mostly from grants.

Mr Mott hopes the Heritage Lottery Fund will provide a large proportion of the second-phase cost, but says hard work is needed to raise the rest. To this end he will be eating as little as possible from the beginning of Lent until Easter.

He says: "I'm 11lbs over my maximum healthy weight and I doubt I'll make it, but I'm going to have a good try."