FUNDRAISERS who have worked tirelessly for two years to raise cash to repair the crumbling fabric of Bromsgrove's ancient parish church are rejoicing this week after hearing they have been given one of the largest ever grants of its kind.

But the real heroes are the public, without whose support the appeal would not have event got of the ground.

The St John's Landmark Appeal, which officially ends at the end of the month has been awarded £242,000 by English Heritage.

Its historic buildings architect, Nick Reading, said he was delighted to be able to offer one of the largest grants ever under the Repair Grant for Places of Worship scheme operated jointly with the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The grant, plus the £294,000 raised by church members and the public of Bromsgrove over two years has taken the grand total to over £500,000, the appeal's initial target.

The grant would not have been possible had it not been for the generosity of townsfolk.

English Heritage officials are known to have been enormously impressed by the public's efforts and the professional manner the appeal, which has been supported from the start by the Advertiser /Messenger, has been run.

The grant guarantees restoration work to the nave roof, tower and spire stonework may well start this summer.

St John's vicar, the Rev Nigel Marns, said: "It is wonderful that we have achieved what we set out to achieve.

"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the appeal at every level. Support from the town has been simply overwhelming.," he added.

Appeal chairman, David Slade, commented: "We are delighted to hear English Heritage have agreed to support our appeal and to have recognised the importance of the church.

"A significant factor in achieving the grant has been the fantastic lobbying undertaken by MP Julie Kirkbride in her capacity as a patron."

Mr Reading said: "St John's is a magnificent Grade I listed building and its elegant steeple is a landmark which has been visible from miles around for six centuries.

"Unfortunately the condition of the sandstone has deteriorated to a state which requires substantial repair."

The appeal will close with a celebration weekend on January 29-30 with a dinner at South Bromsgrove High School and a service at St John's conducted by the Bishop of Worcester.