MP Jo Johnson has said Biggin Hill's St George's Chapel will shut 'over his dead body'.

The chapel, along the Main Road, faces closure from March next year after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided to pull funding.

Estimated to cost £50,000 a year to run, a new source of funding is needed to avoid closure.

Coming up to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the memorial has special significance.

The names of 454 pilots from Biggin Hill who lost their lives during World War Two are commemorated at the chapel.

Representing Orpington, Mr Johnson said: “This is a site of huge significance in our national story. I'm not alone in wanting to make sure the chapel is saved.

“I've had extensive discussions about it with the MoD with the treasury and also the Prime Minister.

"the Prime Minister is determined that the Chapel should be saved.

“There's agreement that we want to ensure the chapel is put on a sustainable footing so that it can continue to be a place of remembrance.”

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One of the two life size Gate Guardians - a Spitfire and Hurricane - outside the chapel 

When asked if the chapel was an inappropriate use of MoD funds, Mr Johnson said: "Clearly not. It’s vital that we remember the part these brave airmen played for our freedoms during the Battle of Britain.

"It would be unthinkable for the chapel to close: over my dead body.

"I'm working flat out with all arms of government to ensure St George's Chapel is secured for the future.

"I'm confident we will find a solution to secure its future."

An online petition set up on December 30 by Martin John Mitchener has already attracted more than 20,000 signatures.

Alongside an online petition Sally O'Connor, who runs the Spitfire Cafe, has set up a paper one.

Many of her customers in the cafe, along Main Road in Biggin Hill, are elderly without internet access.

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Sally O'Connor and WWII Veteran Mr Richard Moon at a Remembrance service in November 2014 

Mrs O’Connor said: "We’re devastated; it goes back to Winston Churchill. It would be absolutely heart wrenching if we lost it. It means so much to so many people.”

Mrs O'Connor, 47, added: "It's a huge part of the community, there's so much history in Biggin Hill including the Battle of Britain.

"If it wasn't for Biggin Hill saving our coast and particularly London, it would have been very different.

"It would be so sad if it closed its part of history. We need to remember those who fought for us, that's why we are what we are today.

"It's important for the next generation to learn."

MP Anna Soubry, defence minister, is reportedly backing keeping the chapel open, tweeting: "I want to secure the future of the chapel."

A spokesman for the MoD said: "In order to ensure that the defence budget is spent in the most appropriate way the MoD will look to relinquish ownership of St George's Chapel by March 2016.

"However, given its importance, we are exploring options that will ensure the heritage of the chapel is preserved."

To sign the petition visit: epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73191

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