HELP to "stop the rot" at one of Barnoldswick's most important buildings has been seen as an answer to a prayer.

English Heritage, the Government conservation group, has offered a £90,000 grant to help save the Independent Methodist Chapel, on Walmsgate.

It could be the first step in restoring the once-magnificent chapel to its former glory.

It is one of the few surviving 19th century Methodist chapels in the area and its ornate frontage and impressive interior, including a tiered circular gallery and original pipe organ, give it considerable architectural significance.

Yet for the past 20 years or more the building has steadily decayed, plagued by dry rot, a leaking roof, rising damp and vandalism.

The church trustees were keen to preserve their historic home, but the small band of worshippers did not have the cash to do so.

What money they did have was spent on the Sunday School building at the rear of the church - a more manageable size for the congregation of around 50.

Efforts were made to sell the chapel or find another use for the building, but all to no avail.

The trustees also sought funding from various sources, but were advised that their only realistic chance was the National Lottery Heritage Fund. As Methodism opposes gambling, the lottery was not a source the trustees could pursue.

Now, at last, there is a glimmer of hope, with news that English Heritage has offered a grant amounting to around £92,000 to "stop the rot" at the chapel, known locally as the New Ship.

The trustees' work is far from over though, as the church will have to find more than £20,000 to meet the total cost.

The grant follows the upgrading of the chapel's listed building status to Grade II*, making it eligible for funding from other bodies.

Jeffrey Pearson, president of the church and chairman of its trustees, explained that the initial work would make the building sound and watertight and halt its decline.

"We will be left at the end with a building that is not as nice as it is now, as all the old damp plaster will have to come off," said Mr Pearson. "But the building should be watertight and safe and hopefully in future we will be able to look to restoring it."

The "stop the rot" grant from English Heritage is usually made as the first phase of a longer-term restoration scheme and the trustees are optimistic that it could be the first step on the long road to full restoration of the chapel.

If that was achieved it could become a new tourist attraction for the town.

It is currently still in occasional use, although the stairs to the gallery are unsafe and the central gallery well has been sealed off with polythene to protect the ground floor. The church also has its original pipe organ, built in Durham, and an ornate pulpit.

Work could start as early as November and the congregation is already considering ways to raise money towards the project.

Any donations would be gratefully received and should be sent to J Wareing, 7 Valley Drive, Barnoldswick, BB18 6HU.