ONE of Wirral's most recognisable landmark buildings has been handed a rescue funding package from National Churches Trust.

Ss Peter, Paul and Philomena Church in New Brighton has been awarded a £10,000 grant to fund urgent work to the roof of two side-chapel areas.

The chapels' roofs have worsened significantly since they were first identified for repairs in 2013.

The trust - the UK’s repair and support charity - funded two previous phases of work at the church in 2013 and 2015. The total now amounts to £596,000.

During the Second World War sailors returning from Atlantic convoys knew the church as "The Dome of Home" signifying safety from German U-boats.

It was closed in 2008 due to the cost of repairs but following an enthusiastic local campaign reopened in 2012 when the Bishop of Shrewsbury established it as a national Shrine Church.

It is now cared for by the Institute of Christ the King - an international order of priests.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, vice-president of the National Churches Trust, said: “I'm delighted that this Christmas the future of Ss Peter, Paul and Philomena Church is being safeguarded by a National Churches Trust grant to fund urgent repairs to its roof.

"This funding will help ensure that this historic church which has experienced a tremendous revival in the last five years continues to serve local people for many years to come.”

“Churches and chapels are some of the UK's best loved buildings. But their future is not guaranteed."

Huw continued: “This Christmas, when people visit a church or chapel for a carol service or even just walk past a church on the way to do the Christmas shopping, I urge them to think about how they can help ensure that churches can remain open and in good repair.

“Churches and chapels may be historic buildings, but they can be part of our future, too.”

A total of 36 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from the latest grants from the trust.

Top of the 2016 list of funding requests received by the charity include repairs to roofs, stonework and drainage and the provision of toilets and kitchens.