A rector has begun a marathon Bible reading session in an effort to raise money for a new church roof.

The Reverend Sharon Swain, rector of Brantham, Suffolk, aims to read the Bible aloud from cover to cover during the next five days.

She plans to rest for 10 minutes every hour and aims to start reading at 0700 BST and finish at midnight.

The congregation of St Michael's has already raised �26,000 but needs another �49,000 to completely re-roof the nave of the church.

Ms Swain said her training routine has included counting to a million to exercise her voice.

She has also counted to 40 in one breath to exercise her stomach.

She said: "I have worked out that I should finish by Saturday if my stomach muscles, never mind the voice, haven't given out."