A DETERIORATING 12th century church has received a £200,000 repairs boost and is looking to retake its place at the heart of the community.

St Mary and All Saints in Droxford is hoping to come off the register of buildings at risk after winning a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Now fundraisers are planning major restoration and ways to engage people with the church's 900-year history.

Rev Tony Forrest, rector of Meon Bridge Parishes, said: "We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. The award will enable us to start work in April to restore this lovely Norman church, but equally important it will enable us create a community room which can become the focus for social activities as well as heritage exploration. It will support sustainable community development, and enable us to serve our communities better, especially the isolated, the young and the elderly, in Droxford and the Meon Valley.”

The £188,000 grant, bringing HLF's contribution to £222,200, will fund urgent restoration to the church tower, roof and drainage system as well as freeing the church to host more secular activities.

John Symes, chairman of Friends of Droxford Church, said: "As central services inevitably get cut back, I think there's more options for communities like ours to look to help themselves.

"The other issue is the conservation of a heritage building and moving the church forward, bringing it back into the centre of life and giving it a viable future for the long term."

Churchwardens are also looking to install glazed screens in the north chapel and open a community cafe, inspired by Swanmore's volunteer-run coffee house, Barnaby's.

Work is expected to start in early April and last around five months.

Meanwhile the church, Droxford's only Grade I listed building, has applied to Hampshire County Council, South Downs National Park Authority and the National Churches Trust for grants towards an extension with new toilets, a kitchen and office space.