It was smiles all round when the rector of one of of Basildon's oldest churches was presented with a £5,000 cheque to help fund vital conservation work.

The money from the Friends of Essex Churches will go towards the next stage of a major restoration project, which will concentrate on the interior of St Nicholas church.

The work, when it is finished finished, will total more than £80,000.

The Rev Nihal Paul said St Nicholas was delighted to receive the donation which had given its own fundraising efforts a major boost.

Underpinning work to save the church from a severe case of subsidence has already been done.

Cracks have appeared inside as a result of the subsidence and conservation work needs to be done to the wooden spire.

The 15th Century church is steeped in history and its most famous rector was John Pell (1663-68), a famous mathematician who created the division sign, now used throughout the world.

Handover - the cheque which will help restore St Nicholas Church is gratefully received

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