WEST Bank's historical St Mary's Church has been given a massive £353,000 grant and a much-needed facelift from the English Heritage Lottery Fund.

Architects were brought in to assess the structurally 'unsound' Grade II listed building's bell tower which needed urgent attention and, after a prolonged investigation, builders have had the go-ahead to complete vital repairs. If the work had not been done, the possibility of it being knocked down would have become a reality.

Relieved vicar, the Rev Ray Jones, said: 'This great Widnes landmark would have disappeared as there were no funds available to do the repair work.

'The bell tower needed a lot of work doing to it and I am absolutely delighted that English Heritage has stepped in.

'The church has a lot of history attached to it - it dates back to the days when people crossed over on the old Transporter bridge and if it was to shut, it would have been a tragedy.'

The grant is the second largest sum English Heritage has awarded in the North West and the minister is 'honoured' to be receiving such a healthy sum.

Mr Jones said: 'It's a fabulous achievement for the church and the locals of West Bank, but the hard work really starts here. We still have to raise £22,000 this year and a further £38,000 next year. But I feel it's a target which is in our capability.'

Mr Jones has been in the post only six months, after he swapped his role of environmental officer with Halton Borough Council for the Church. Since the transition, he has never looked back.

He said: 'I have really enjoyed the first six months of my new role. The locals have been rallying round and have been and continue to be very supportive in our aim to raise the funds.'

On Sunday, the church launched a new appeal that will hopefully persuade the people of Widnes to come out in their droves to support him and his scheme.

He added: 'If people could make the trip down to West Bank it would be appreciated. Anybody wanting to get involved would be more than welcome.'