'At-risk' Stebbing church secures £1.57m for restoration

The National Lottery Heritage Fund-backed project includes a new heating system and bespoke furnishings and electrics

A medieval church on the heritage at risk register is to receive a £1.57m restoration so it can become "a thriving hub for the local community".

St Mary's Church in Stebbing, Essex, currently suffers from damp problems, exacerbated by a failed heating system.

The Grade I listed 14th Century building was added to the Historic England at risk register in 2019.

The restoration project leader Rhoda Herbert said she was "thrilled to have received this support".

Damp problems have rendered the building cold and unwelcoming for large parts of the year, church fundraisers say

The National Lottery Heritage Fund-backed project will enable St Mary's to receive a new heating system, conservation and interpretation of historical items inside the church, alongside bespoke furnishings, lighting, electrics and redecoration.

Its history will also be explored - it has links to the religious military order the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem or the Knights of St John.

• Dickens inn and Cold War defences are 'at risk'

• Listed buildings added to 'at-risk register'

• Grade I listed church saved after £1m repairs

St Mary's is the largest building in the village, so as well as holding church services, it will be able to host activities and events once the restoration is complete.

Ms Herbert, from St Mary's The Way Forward, said: "We are confident the project will see this ancient and beautiful Anglican church building sympathetically restored and become a thriving hub for the local community."

The restoration work is expected to start in the spring.