An historic church that was on the verge of collapse just a few years ago is hoping to get a grant that could see it fully restored to its 14th century glory.

The Grade II listed St Denis's Church, in East Hatley, was last used in 1956. Ownership of the building was transferred to South Cambridgeshire District Council in 1983 and the site became a designated nature reserve.

In 2002 the Biggleswade Chronicle told how the church was engulfed in ivy and its roof and walls so badly damaged that it was deemed unsafe.

By 2003, the ivy had been removed from the church and work then began on restoring the structure of the building, most of which was completed by the end of 2005.

Much of the work was supported by grants given by English Heritage, who have now said that they may be able to provide more money to complete the repairs of stonework tracery in the east window and to install a floor within the nave.

They say they are prepared to offer 75 per cent (£16,500) towards the cost of the works. The district council would have to provide the remaining £5,500 from its Historic Buildings Preservation Fund.

While the building would not be used as a church once work is complete, there have been suggestions that it may be used as some form of classroom for children studying the nature reserve.

Sebastian Kindersley is clerk to Hatley Parish Council and also lives next door to the church.

He said: "The local parish is anxious to be involved with whatever happens but it's all a jolly good thing.

"I would speak for everyone by saying we are enthusiastic to make sure it is restored as much as can be but the problem remains as to what it will be used for in the future.

"It has no parking, no access and is landlocked and is surrounded by a churchyard that is still used for burials. But I'm pleased they are attempting to grasp it."

The site is a nature reserve and the church itself is home to dozens of rare cave spiders that were moved there from a derelict air raid shelter in Papworth.

The council's cabinet will meet in September to decide if it is prepared to spend £5,500 on further improvements to the church.