Whitwell Church is among 20 sites saved from the At Risk Register in the South East, thanks to community help.

Formed from two separate medieval chapels, built side-by-side and largely re-built in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Grade II* listed building was at risk mainly due to stone decay and issues with water penetration.

The problems faced by the Parish Church of St Mary and St Rhadegund, have now been addressed, thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.

Historic England’s given a special mention to a local resident - the late Rose Ashton  - as the driving force behind fundraising and repair work at nearby Niton Church.

She used her knowledge and experience at Whitwell until her death in January 2019. 

She did not get to see the completed repairs, which were finished earlier this year.