AN APPEAL to save a church tower and allow its bells to ring out once more has secured significant support from the National Lottery.

The Eastnor church tower appeal committee was successful in its application for a £100,000 grant to help preserve the 13th-century building.

The money is needed to restore the Grade I-listed tower, as well as other works, once formal planning permission is granted.

The Revd Keith Hilton-Turvey, Rector of Ledbury and Eastnor, said: “We are delighted with the generosity of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"Repairs to the ancient tower are long overdue, and I welcome the plans to improve other facilities in the church in the way that other churches have in our area”.

James Hervey-Bathurst, chairman of the appeal committee said: “It is very exciting that our hard work has been rewarded by this grant from National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"We still need to raise more, but the this grant is a very good endorsement for our project, and we are confident we can reach our target. We have had a lot of support from local people and charities too”

Work is due to start in June under the supervision of John Middleton of Nick Joyce Architects, Worcester.

A local specialist contractor has been appointed, and the building team will include a young apprentice.