A church in Wallasey looks to have secured its long-term future after receiving a significant pot of funding.

Holy Apostles and Martyrs' Parish in Wallasey has been awarded a grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the restoration and repair of English Martyrs' Church in St Georges Road, Wallasey.

The grant of £504,500 will enable the parish to carry out the first phase of a project to maintain the church for future generations and extend access to its heritage.

Parish Priest Canon Philip Moor, said: "The Parish and its church have been at the heart of the community for more than 100 years, and it's great to know that we are a step closer to preserving it for another century. We are delighted to receive this support thanks to National Lottery players.”

Opened in 1953, English Martyrs' Church was designed by the noted Liverpool architect Francis Xavier Velarde and is recognised nationally and designated by Historic England at Grade II for its architectural design.

Wirral Globe: The church features a zig zag moderne ceilingThe church features a zig zag moderne ceiling

The fabric of the building is now failing as materials have reached the end of their expected life.

Works to be carried out include re-roofing the pitched and flat roofs, provision of extra toilet facilities, an upgrade of the heating system and replacement of an external metal staircase.

Alongside the repairs the parish is introducing a series of heritage related activities which will be open to the wider community as well as the parish community.

These activities include family heritage days, reminiscence events, creation of an archive of photographs, documents and memories, hosting heritage talks and visits to the church and production of information leaflets and displays.

Local primary and secondary school students will also learn about history and heritage through art and photography events. Online there will be a tour of the building and a record of the restoration work as it progresses.

David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Thanks to National Lottery Players, we are delighted to award the Holy Apostles and Martyrs' Parish in Wallasey with a grant that not only carries out urgent repairs to this important building, but will also improve access and welcome new visitors, so that it can resonate with the community and beyond for years to come.”