THOUSANDS of pounds have been donated to a £2million project dedicated to saving one of Oxfordshire’s most historic churches from falling into disrepair.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has earmarked £143,500 to help restore the roof of the 13th-century chancel of Grade 1 listed St Mary’s Church, Church Green, in Witney.

This final phase of the project, which is expected to cost about £213,500, will see urgent repairs being made to the Victorian roofs of the chancel and organ chamber, as well as repairs to guttering and drainage, and restoration work to masonry outside the building.

Rector of Witney Parish Rev Toby Wright said the “wonderful” grant would move St Mary’s fundraising campaign forward significantly.

He said: “But this still leaves £60,000 to be raised for this phase. We have already raised £10,000 as a parish so I hope and trust that local people and grant making trusts will get behind this campaign.”

In 2000 the church team committed to transforming the entire building, making it a key community venue in West Oxfordshire as well as a place of worship. More than £500,000 has been raised to weatherproof windows and all but one of the major roofs.

Heavyweight pews have been replaced with lightweight, flexible chairs and the ageing electronic organ has been transformed into an instrument fit for the large medieval church.

Mr Wright is also asking anyone who can to sponsor a roof slate for £10 each so that the 4,000 slates can be repaired.

Work would also include new lighting and modernising catering facilities.

MP for Witney and Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It’s so important we preserve and share its long and fascinating history.”

The team hopes to finish this phase of the project by 2016, before starting on improving the inside of the church.