A STRUGGLING charity devoted to preserving an historic church has been given a boost following a donation from an MP.

Witham MP Priti Patel says she is giving her support to the Friends of Copford Church.

The former Home Secretary met with the charity to hand over a £200 donation.

The registered charity aims to protect and preserve the St Michael and All Angels Church of Church Road in Copford. 

Ms Patel, who is a patron of the Friends of Copford Church, visited the historic church, to see the preservation work undertaken by the Friends of Copford Church group.

Fellow patrons of the church include the Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin and the Bishop of London the Rt Revd Richard Chartres.

Ms Patel said St Michael and All Angels Church has some of the rarest and best-preserved Norman wall paintings of any parish church in the country. 

They are said to be 800-years-old and require thorough care and attention. 

The church was also ranked in the top 100 by Simon Jenkins in his book England’s Thousand Best Churches. 

Friends of Copford Church is dedicated to raising funds for the preservation of the paintings and the upkeep of the building which dates to 1130AD.

However, the church’s priest admits that funds are tight.

According to the Government’s charities commission, the total income for the charity in the 2021 financial year ending in December 2021 was £2,003.

However, the total expenditure was £2,239.

After her visit, Ms Patel said: “As a patron of Friends of Copford Church I am pleased to have visited the church and to continue my support for it through a donation. 

“They are preserving some superb national treasures here, which are an irreplaceable part of our history. 

“The church itself dates back over 950 years and Friends of Copford Church are doing a great job in maintaining its upkeep.”

The Rev Ann-Marie Renshaw added: “The maintenance of the church and the paintings requires constant fundraising by the volunteers who manage and run the Friends of Copford Church.

“The church’s future hangs in the balance at the moment, as we are struggling to raise funds for day-to-day running expenses.”

To make a donation, visit www.copfordchurch.org.uk.