A MEDIEVAL church has been given almost £95,000 for urgent repairs to its roof.

But the congregation at St Helen’s church in Kelloe still needs to raise more than £45,000 to complete the work.

The 11th century church, which attracts international visitors thanks to a rare stone carved cross, has a leaking roof which needs replacing.

Church warden Glenys King said: “It’s very urgent. We found out two years ago that it needed doing because the water is coming in and part of the bell tower is crumbling. It’s going to be a completely new roof.”

The church, which is a grade one listed building, is famed for being the first church of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who was born at nearby Coxhoe Hall and was christened at St Helen’s in 1808.

She is commemorated by a plaque in the church, which hosts an Elizabeth Barrett Browning service every June.

It is also home to a late 12th century cross to St Helen, the empress and mother of the Christian Emporer of Rome, Constantine.

The St Helen’s Cross , which was broken in six pieces, was discovered in the wall of the church in the 19th century and was restored in the 1970s before going on display at an exhibition in London.

It has since been returned to Kelloe, where it attracts visitors from all over the world because of its rarity.

Mrs King added: “People have said it should be in the Louvre or the Vatican because it’s so priceless.

“It really is very rare. People come from all over the world to see it.

The church discovered the work, which will cost £141,000, needed doing two years ago following its regular five year inspection.

It is due to start next spring after the Parochial Church Council applied for a grant of £94,900 from the Government-funded listed places of worship roof repair fund.

The church is now trying to raise the remaining money and has so far collected around £9,500 through raffles, donations, collections and social events.

Keith Pounder, lay chairman of the Parochial Church Council, said: “Members of the congregation are delighted to have been awarded this grant, which will help to ensure the status of the church for future generations.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can contact Mr Pounder on 0191 377 3611 or email keith.pounder@hotmail.co.uk.