A BENFLEET church needs to raise at least £20,000 to ensure it can host weddings and other events throughout the year.

After receiving £195,000 in donations, the Grade I listed St Mary the Virgin Church, in High Road, has started a major project to renovate its interior.

But it needs further funds to install a heating system so the building can hold events all-year round.

The church regularly hosts concerts and exhibitions, but cannot do so in winter.

Father Leslie Drake said: “We do not want to face another winter with a shivering congregation, with many of the more elderly parishioners unable to attend because of the cold.

“If St Mary’s is to continue to host baptisms, weddings and funerals, and be open for all who need it, efficient heating is essential.”

The church is believed to date back more than 1,100 years. The west wall of the nave is 900 years old, while the west tower and the windows date from the 14th and 15th centuries respectively.

Father Drake, who has been the priest at St Mary’s for four years, started fundraising for the restoration of the church as soon as he arrived.

He said: “On the outside it was well maintained, but the interior was sadly in need of tender loving care.

“I felt, therefore, my first job should be to restore the interior to its former glory to enable it to continue to serve the community in the 21st century.”

Plans were drawn up and an appeal was launched last August to raise the £241,000 needed.

After £195,000 was received, the first phase of the renovations began last month, but the church cannot install the heating until it receives another £20,000. Father Drake said: “The response has been generous and we have been able to start the first phase.

“However perhaps one of the most important items is not yet funded.”