An 18th century Bradford church has been saved with a cash boost from the Historic Churches Preservation Trust.

St John's Church, in Rooley Lane, Bierley, one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the area, was facing closure after damage was discovered to the Grade II listed building four years ago.

But thanks to a £27,000 grant from trust, which supports historic churches, the structural future of the church has been secured.

The vicar of St John's, Father Kevin Tromans said: "The church people are absolutely delighted.

"One week we thought it was in danger of falling down and we would have to shut it, but now it's all back on again."

The church started an appeal to raise £275,000 three years ago and scooped £170,000 of English Heritage funding, £5,000 from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Fund and parishioners raised £10,000.

This latest boost brings the fund over the £200,000 mark and has guaranteed the church's future well into the 21st century.

The cash will pay for work to secure the church's roof, new drainage and for work to make the church accessible for disabled people in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Father Tromans is also planning alterations to the inside of the church to create a space suitable for community use.

"At the moment we have a building that can be used primarily for worship but not much else," he said.

"We want a building that can also be used as a community resource - an open space in which we can hold our summer and winter fairs or where people can hire part of the building for meetings."

A new Mothers' and Toddlers group is due to start in the existing building within the next few weeks but Father Tromans hopes that it will be held in the community area once it is finished.

Dean Henry Stapleton, of The Historic Churches Preservation Trust, said: "St John's is a very deserving case. It is a very important church in an area which is being regenerated and is in need of as much support as it can get."

St John's was built in 1788 by John Carr of York, a leading architect of his day who also designed Harewood House. It is the second oldest Anglican church in Bradford.

Major work on the church is due to start next Easter and should be finished by the following year.

The church is now appealing to the wider community to offer financial support and to return to the place of worship.

"The church's people have done a lot of work over the past four years to raise almost £10,000 themselves," said Father Tromans.

"The church's future is structurally secure but we still need money to continue the work we do."

St John's is holding an open day featuring an exhibition of local artists on September 11 from 10am, when people can look round the historic building, followed by a concert from the Westfield Male Voice Choir at 7.30pm.