RARE medieval paintings in a church will get a new lease of life from a world-renowned conservation expert thanks to a lottery grant.

St Mary’s Church Lydiard Tregoze, which borders Lydiard Park, has received a grant of £615,000 to restore the monuments and artwork, some of which date back to the 14th century.

Among the most important treasures are two medieval wall paintings, one showing the martyrdom of Sir Thomas Becket, the 12th century Archbishop, and another of St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, cradling the baby Jesus.

The core of the funding will be used to restore the nationally-significant paintings, led by Jane Rutherford, a world-renowned conservator.

Paul Gardner, chair of St Mary’s Church building and conservation project, told the Adver about the significance of the grant.

“We get over 8,100 visitors and experts to St Mary’s every year,” he said.

“They come from Europe and from all over the world to see the great stories and treasures the church has.

“Jane is a leading medieval wallpainting conservator in this country and Europe – she has an absolute stellar reputation.

“There are very few Becket wall paintings that survive and this is probably the last one to be conserved in this country.

“We also have a painting known as Christ the Crown of Thorns, which is Jesus on Good Friday, there are only two surviving examples of that in the country.”

Local schools and colleges partnered with the church will also get the opportunity to learn conservation skills.

“It’s a big all-embracing programme,” added Paul.

“Those skills are dying out. The Heritage Lottery Fund recognised that it is extremely important that those skills are revived and brought to the forefront.”

The second lot of funds will complete the final phase of the total project to restore the church, costing an estimated £1 million.

The work will begin before Christmas this year and work will start on the paintings next summer, with everything to be completed by September 2020.

The church will remain open on weekends and provide its usual services and weddings, allowing visitors to see the conservation work progress.

“We can have hard-hat Saturday and Sunday afternoons," said Paul, “so they can see the work unfolding.”

The church even gets couples coming from Australia, after many people emigrated in the 19th century, looking for their roots in the village of Lydiard Tregoze.

“One couple wanted to bring their child back to where they were married, even though they live in Australia,” added Paul.

“So it’s a bit special that font, we always say.”

“This was a very emotional moment for them.

"That’s what the church is all about.”