An historic Spen Valley church has received cash to aid vital repairs, but an appeal has been launched for more cash to help its preservation.

An English Heritage grant has been awarded to Whitechapel Church in Cleckheaton but its vicar is now appealing to the community for help in raising an additional £29,000.

Known as Ye Olde Whitechapel in the North, the grade II listed building, dates back to 1820 and is in urgent need of repair.

The roof, bell tower and masonry surrounding the stained glass windows all need work. The extent of the damage was discovered last year, when the church was celebrating nine centuries of worship on the site.

The bill is expected to reach £116,000 and English Heritage has promised £75,000 to preserve the building and £12,000 for a specialist structural investigation and protected species research.

Priest-in-Charge Maggie McLean said: "I am absolutely delighted. This is the result of a tremendous effort on behalf of our congregation at Whitechapel and a recognition of the church's historic significance within the community."

English Heritage will begin a thorough investigation in the next few weeks and are likely to take into account a Kestrel and great spotted woodpeckers nesting in the roof and churchyard.

The work is expected to finish in two years and includes reconstructing the spire of the bell tower which was removed in 1980 for safety reasons.

"When this work is finished Ye Olde Whitechapel in the North should be sound for another century," she added.

The site of Whitechapel Church is known to have been a place of worship since the 12th century.

And Patrick Bronte, father of the famous literary sisters and once the curate of nearby Hartshead, conducted services at the church in 1815.

Churchwarden Tom Pinder said they hoped to raise the additional £29,000 needed through other grants, a variety of events and with help from the community.

"We are now seeking local and wider support to raise the outstanding amount," he said. Anyone who can help should contact Mr Pinder on (01274) 600628.

A booklet is available entitled Nine Centuries which covers the church's history and was used in applying for the English Heritage grant.