VISITORS to an historic church enjoyed a privileged bird’s-eye view of many parts of the Medway area.

St Margaret’s Church in Rochester opened the door to its 15th century tower and more than 100 people braved the wind and the rain to climb to the top.

The tower offers the highest viewpoint in the historic city with spectacular views of the River Medway, the castle and cathedral.

The tower is only open to the public during Rochester’s festivals so visitors got to see parts of Rochester they wouldn’t normally be able to view.

It was the last time the tower will be open before it closes for repair.

Work, due to start next year, will include repairing the roof and securing loose masonry and cracked mullions, at an estimated cost of £250,000.

Stuart Pearson, from the church said: “The work will take around six to nine months to complete. It is probably the biggest project the parish has had to face the last century.”

To date £175,000 has been raised towards the cost of the repairs, and donations over the Dickensian Christmas weekend helped to collect a further £500.