THE future of Princetown's unique, but decaying parish church looks more secure this week following the announcement of a possible £500,000 investment to reverse the depredations inflicted by its harsh environment.

The Church of St Michael and All Saints, redundant since 1995, was built between 1810 and 1814 by French, and later American, prisoners incarcerated at Dartmoor Prison.

It is the only church in England to have been built by prisoners of war. although there is one in Orkney built by Italian POWs.

The decay has been extensive and repairs will be required to the tower, the main roof and external walls, as well as the interior.

The Church of England has proposed a transfer of ownership of the historic grade 2* listed building to the Churches Conservation Trust.

The trust would then take on responsibility for the maintenance and future of the building.

The Ven Richard Gilpin, Archdeacon of Totnes, said they had been looking for an alternative use for the building with local agencies since it was declared unfit for public worship.

'Sadly, due to financial and practical considerations, this proved impossible and therefore transfer to the Churches Conservation Trust has to be the best possible solution, ensuring the sensitive protection of the church in its unique setting for many years to come,' he said.

The scheme was also welcomed by the Dartmoor National Park Authority.

Church of England spokesman Lou Henderson said there were a number of possibilities they considered for the building such as use by another Christian body or the community, but that had not been possible.

He said the building could still be used for special services such as those held on St Michael's Day, the church's patron saint, special concerts or flower festivals.

'It won't be just a sort of museum piece, but precisely how it will be used will depend on local needs,' he said.

Church army captain David Swales, of the Moorland team ministry, said: 'I'm delighted. We've been trying to find some way of restoring the church for several years. It's quite a landmark, with a very unique history.'

Capt Swales could not say how the church might be used in the future, but the building will remain consecrated.

'I hope it will be there for the benefit of the community,' he said.

Before the scheme can be finally approved, there is a 28-day statutory notice period from September 22.

Representations for or against the proposals may be made until October 23.

The Church Commissioners, in a quasi-judicial capacity, will then make their decision and the Privy Council will confirm.