NITON Church has been awarded up to £99,300 for urgent building repairs from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The money will be used to carry out urgent repairs to the spire, tower and wall stonework.

As well as this essential conservation work, the project aims to engage with the community by holding talks, tours and events, increasing visitor numbers and use of the building, and making the heritage and history of this beautiful church accessible.

The church is Norman, and the nave and font are nearly 1,000 years old. Other parts of the church were built in the 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 19th centuries. The church also benefits from modern facilities installed three years ago. The church sits on a knoll at the west end of the village of Niton.

The Right Revd Christopher Foster, Bishop of Portsmouth said: "This news confirms confidence in the leadership at Niton Church and in the local community to secure St John the Baptist Church for its continuing witness and place in the life of the village. The grant is a success in itself, and a major step towards the essential restoration works."

The Ven Peter Sutton, Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight said: "I am delighted that St John the Baptist at Niton have secured this grant which is great news for Niton and for the Island.

"Members of the parish have worked hard to get to this point and I look forward to seeing the works completed in due course and the church safeguarded for future generations."

Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, said: "Niton should be very proud of obtaining this Heritage Lottery Fund grant for this much loved church – I congratulate the team who worked so hard on the application. 

"I am looking forward to attending some of the fundraising events and seeing work get underway to secure the future of this beautiful building which holds such a special place in the hearts of many Niton residents."

Parish Clerk Vickie Ford said she expected news of the grant to be warmly welcomed by Niton & Whitwell Parish Council. 

She said: "The historical significance of our ancient Anglican church buildings is acknowledged in the Parish Plan. Furthermore, the parish council appreciates the valuable contribution to village life and the wider community made by all of our churches."

Local IW councillor Dave Stewart said: "This award is excellent news for the church and the community as a whole.

"The church building itself provides a physical presence in the community as well as a place of worship for many local residents.

"Funding support is essential to maintaining this iconic building so I will be happy to do what I can to help raise funds and I am sure many of our community will do the same. This is great news."

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. 

From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, the HLF invest in every part of our diverse heritage. 

HLF has supported almost 36,000 projects with more than £5.9bn across the UK. To find out more, visit the HLF website www.hlf.org.uk.