‘ESSENTIAL’ repairs will be made to an ‘at-risk’ church tower after the local congregation was given a grant of nearly £300,000.

Villagers said they are hoping St Mary’s Church in Adderbury will continue to be a ‘focus of village life’ and a ‘place of great beauty’, thanks to a grant from the National Lottery.

The tower, with its distinctive clock faces and tall imposing spire, has become badly damaged after standing for nearly 700 years and has been placed on Historic England’s ‘At-Risk Register’.

Stretching 150 feet into the air, it was added as part of the 14th century rebuilding of the church and can be seen for miles around.

The money will be used to rebuild the eastern parapet and re-lead the gutters.

Distinctive gargoyles will also be replaced and clock faces redecorated.

Alongside the £290,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Friends of St Mary’s Adderbury group is raising an extra £100,000 through its Jazz in the Garden and Christmas Tree Festival events and holding a concert by folk musician Chris Leslie planned for July 7.

Grants were also received from the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, Church Care, Adderbury Parish Council, Adderbury Education Fund and Banbury Charities.

Vicar Rev Stephen Fletcher said: “We are delighted that we have received this support thanks to National Lottery players.

“The tower with its spire has been a focal point for the community since it was built 700 years ago.

“The restoration work will ensure the tower is no longer at risk and preserved for generations to come.”

Alongside the restoration works, the church will work with children from the nearby Christopher Rawlins Church of England Primary School to come up with designs for what should replace the gargoyles.

The architect working on the project will also give a talk in the village about the restoration work.

Contractor Stone Edge has already begun work on the project.

Its operations director, Keith Learoyd, said: “The team is delighted to be carrying out the works at this fascinating medieval church.

“It’s a privilege to be working in such a historic setting, surrounded by the wonderful carvings.”

The church building is used for services, weddings, christening, funerals, bell-ringing and choral activities as well as school and village events including concerts, markets and festivals.

St. Mary’s is also home to the Adderbury Ensemble, a group of chamber musicians who founded the Oxford Coffee Concerts at the Holywell Music Room.