A COWES church has been saved from sinking into the ground after a national charity stepped in to provide the funds.

St Mary's Church has been suffering with subsidence for the past two years, causing the building to slowly sink into the ground and damage structures.

The Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust has awarded a grant £12,000 to the church to help keep the building stable.

Rev Andrew Poppe, of St Mary's, said: “We are very grateful to the trust for this grant, which makes such a valuable contribution towards our repair bill, ensuring we avoid subsidence.

"This repair programme is on-going and we still need to raise substantial additional funds.

"This pandemic has changed forever the way that I and my colleagues minister to our congregations.

"We shall continue to broadcast our message to a now much wider, global audience via our website.

"We help with the welfare of local people including many who are vulnerable, ill or isolated and in need of friendship and sustenance.

"By using our hall and nave, which is one of the largest event venues in Cowes, we work to provide great service to the town and its organisations.”