15338/02THE ceiling of a chapel built in the year Christopher Columbus discovered America, will be restored with the help of a £78,000 grant from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

But villagers still need to raise another £50,000 to cover the cost of repairs.

Bayntun Chapel in St Nicholas Church, Bromham, was completed in 1492 and is considered to be of national importance.

The 15th century gilded and painted panelled oak ceiling is probably its most important feature and it is deteriorating badly.

The replacement roof over the chapel, built in the late Victorian period, has sagged and is resting on the medieval painted ceiling beneath it, causing cracking and movement of timbers.

Carol Drew, speaking for the parochial church council of Bromham, Chittoe and Sandy Lane, said: "There have been problems caused by rainwater and Death Watch beetle infestation over the years. There is a great risk of more substantial loss of historic fabric if the situation is not stabilised."

The chapel contains the alabaster effigy of Sir Roger Tocotes, the original founder of the Chantry Chapel. It was used as a stable by Cromwell's troops after the Battle of Roundway. Graffiti carved into Sir Roger's effigy by the troops can still be seen.

Anyone interested in helping in the fundraising should contact John or Carol Drew on (01380) 850908 or e-mail jc.drew@btinternet.com.