A lifeline has been given to a restoration appeal to save Harwich's historic church.
St Nicholas' Church has been granted more than £130,000 by English Heritage to repair the weather-beaten building.
It is the second donation from the organisation, which has already offered to cover half the cost of initial repairs.
In total £386,000 is needed to mend damage and work will be carried out in two parts.
The first stage, costing £240,000, involves restoring the tower and pinnacles after years exposure to northerly gales and sea spray.
Work on this phase is due to begin in April, but £36,000 is still needed towards it.
The final part of the restoration will concentrate on deteriorated stonework on the outside of the 180-year- old building. English Heritage's latest grant will cover 80 per cent of the money needed for this phase.
Margaret Romeril, church treasurer, said: "Without such generous support from English Heritage and many others, the parochial parish council would be unable to consider keeping this building safe and usable for worship and the many activities which take place there."
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003
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