A hare leaping across a field, a Christmas show dancer and a flock of birds soaring in big north Norfolk skies are some of the motifs in a church's new stained-glass windows.

Described as a 'time capsule', the set of three church windows have been unveiled at St Andrew's Church in Thursford, near Fakenham. 

Villagers sponsored glass panes and were able to draw up their own designs for the windows in a process that started in 2018. One of the contributors asked for a dancer from the Thursford Christmas Spectacular show to be included. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: The newly installed stained-glass window at St Andrew's church in ThursfordThe newly installed stained-glass window at St Andrew's church in Thursford (Image: Denise Bradley)

Lance Sharpus-Jones, churchwarden, said he was thrilled the £29,000 project had finally come to fruition.

He said: “It was a relief to finally see it installed but I think it was worth the wait as it’s stunning.

“To see it finally at the church and the remarks, everyone seems to be bowled over by it, I think it’s a magnificent 'time capsule' of the era. It represents the things which are important in people’s personal lives, such as music, flowers, and wildlife, but has to be seen to be appreciated."

READ MORE - Fakenham Parish Church to host 23rd Christmas Tree Festival

Fakenham & Wells Times: Lance Sharpus-Jones, a churchwarden at St Andrew's church in Thursford, alongside his dog Jazzi, with the newly installed stained glass window at the church. It was designed by some of the villagersLance Sharpus-Jones, a churchwarden at St Andrew's church in Thursford, alongside his dog Jazzi, with the newly installed stained glass window at the church. It was designed by some of the villagers (Image: Denise Bradley)

The window set joins others at the 13th-Century church, including one which was installed in the reign of Elizabeth I in 1579.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The Thursford Collection panel on the stained-glass window at St Andrew's church in ThursfordThe Thursford Collection panel on the stained-glass window at St Andrew's church in Thursford (Image: Denise Bradley)

Stained glass glaziers Rose and Keiran Waits, from Hindringham, created the windows. The couple works at Driftwood Glass Studio.

The new creation replaced a frosted glass window that had become cracked and its ironwork was deemed unsafe. But the replacement was delayed due to the pandemic.

Fakenham & Wells Times: One of the panels on the stained-glass window at St Andrew's church in ThursfordOne of the panels on the stained-glass window at St Andrew's church in Thursford (Image: Denise Bradley)

READ MORE - Fakenham Baptist Community Church building project nears end

Dr Jane Steen, Bishop of Lynn, and Reverend Robin Stapleford will bless the windows at a church service.

The church will host a coffee and cake morning from 10am to midday on August 5 for people to view the window.

Fakenham & Wells Times: St Andrew's church in ThursfordSt Andrew's church in Thursford (Image: Denise Bradley)