One of the oldest buildings in Medway is going under the hammer.

St Bartholomew's Chapel, in the High Street on the border of Rochester and Chatham, is on the market for a guide price of £20,000-£25,000.

The dilapidated building will be one of the lots on offer at Clive Emson auction in Maidstone on Monday, December 12.

Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said the chapel has potential for conversion, subject to all the necessary planning consents being obtainable.

St Bartholomew's is the last surviving part of a hospital founded in 1078 by Gundulph, Bishop of Rochester, for the poor and those suffering from leprosy.

It has been credited with being the first hospital in Britain.

Cllr Howard Doe (Con), said the Grade II listed building contains some of the oldest artefacts in Medway.

He added: "It is of unique value."

Cllr Doe, who is responsible for tourism in the Towns, has been trying to raise awareness about the chapel, which is in desperate need of repair and restoration.

Mark Agate, chairman of the Medway Urban Parks and Green Spaces Forum has also raised concerns about the state of the building and urged a buyer to come forward.

He said: "We must stop this precious building from deteriorating still further to the point where it is lost to present and future generations."

Whoever buys the property could be given funding from Medway Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund to assist with essential repairs.

For more information, contact Clive Emson auctioneers on 0845 6036614 or visit www.cliveemson.co.uk.