It has stood in the small village of Gissing, near Diss, for more than 900 years. But now part of St Mary's Church could be in danger of collapsing.

During the 1500s a vestry was added to the Saxo-Norman Grade I listed church and this was then restored during the Victorian times.

But large cracks have appeared in the vestry wall, causing mounting concern for those who care for the building.

The church has been added to Historic England's at risk list and, since 2013, supports have been in place, to prevent the walls from collapsing.

The cost of longer term repair work - in addition to having electricity, lighting and heating installed - has been put at £267,000.

Members of the Friends of Gissing Church (FOGC), Parochial Church Council and parishioners have been fundraising and have applied for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

They will find out in late July or early August if they will be awarded a £200,000 grant.

Fiona Turton, chairman of the Friends of Gissing Church, said: 'The church is special to the village. It is an asset and it needs to be maintained to pass it onto the next generation.

'People in the village have been very supportive. We have around 53 households who give a regular donation to the friends group.'