ONE of London’s most important listed churches has had its future secured after being awarded a £69,000 lottery grant.

The Church of St Margaret, Lee Terrace, Lee, was designed by John Brown around 1839, following earlier collapses of Joseph Gwilt’s church in 1813-1814.

In 1876, it was enlarged with chancel and aisles, porches and a new roof.  Today, only the original bottom of the tower remains.

Now, with lottery cash, the Grade II*-listed building will undergo a facelift following serious structural cracking on the church's east end.

The repairs will be funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and administrated by English Heritage.

English Heritage planning and conservation director for London Paddy Pugh said: "Listed places of worship make up an elemental part of the historic fabric of England.

"They are familiar and much loved landmarks and it is crucial they are cared for and repaired."