WORK on the mediaeval church tower of St John the Baptist Church, Strensham, is due to start this month, to protect it from damaging erosion.

The Churches Conservation Trust has decided to give it a coat of lime rendering after finding weaknesses in the grey lias stone, which is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

The Trust has found evidence that traditional lime render was used on the tower in the past, as it now is on the rest of the building.

The render will follow the curves of the stone and will protect it, while allowing the exit of moisture through the stonework.

St John the Baptist is one of 326 churches of historic, architectural and archaeological importance that are no longer needed for regular worship and are looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Strensham is in the Upton deanery and regular monthly services are now held in the village hall, but the ancient church is used four times a year for special services at Christmas, Harvest and Patronal festivals.

It is due to be used for a Sunday School Festival service at 11am on Sunday, July 21.

The Rural Dean, the Rev Dr Chris Hardwick, said the church was one of eight in the Worcester diocese that have been passed into the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

"The building had become unsafe and we couldn't have afforded, as a parish, to restore it," he said.

"It is a good thing the Trust is around to help look after these listed buildings, rather than allowing them to fall into decay.

"They have already spent a fortune on it and we are delighted this work is being undertaken."

Mr Hardwick is licensed by the Bishop of Worcester to hold up to six services a year in the church and to use the churchyard for burials.

St John the Baptist stands on a rise with views across the River Avon to Bredon Hill and the Malverns.

It has 16th Century pews, a west gallery with early painted panels and four centuries of monuments to the Russell family.

The Trust welcomes visitors and hopes to keep the church open while building works are taking place so that visitors can see the work in progress from the ground.

Details of keyholders will be found near the door.