A Gravesend church that dates back to the 13 century has been given thousands of pounds to help restore and refurbish the building.

St Mary Magdalene Church in Cobham has been awarded up to £24,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Grade I listed church, best known for homing the largest collection of medieval monumental brasses in the world, requires repairs to the walls, stonework and guttering.

It is hoped the transformation will not only mend, but modernise the building to make it more suitable for community events and visitors.

The refurbishment project is expected to cost £286,000 but the initial grant will enable the church to commission a more detailed study of the work needed to improve the church facilities.

Rev Angela Walker said: “I am so pleased to learn that we have been successful in the first round of our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund which means that we can do our part in maintaining this ancient building for further generations of worshipers.

“People really appreciate being able to worship in a building that has been around for centuries, recognising with awe, that thousands of people down through the ages have worshipped our Eternal God in the same place.”