A TAVISTOCK church, which was at risk of closure just a few years ago, has won an award from English Heritage for turning around its fortunes.

With the determination of the congregation and help from English Heritage the future of the Grade II* listed Roman Catholic Church Our Lady and St Mary Magdalen on Callington Road is now secure.

The church was presented with this year's English Heritage South West Award for 'Caring for an Historic Place of Worship' following the first ever sample survey of the region's listed places of worship to assess their state of repair.

Over the last three years congregation numbers have increased and there are now many young people and families joining the church, plus it has become a focus for the Filipino community.

Church member Peter Jones said: 'The award is a visible sign of success, so we, the congregation, feel a great sense of achievement. It's a validation of the vision and commitment of the parish community.

'My advice to other places of worship is to set clear goals, aim high and don't be discouraged.'

Each weekend around 150 people attend the church and it is also being used for concerts and community events. Church member Monica Phillips said before the turnaround the church had suffered a run of bad luck.

'I think the diocese thought it was a millstone around its neck and the bishop came here and told us it was going to close, but we could just not sit back and let that happen,' said Monica.

'This church is a landmark and it is unique to Devon and England because there is no other like it. It is a copy of the Roman Basilica.'

Funds were raised to rewire the church and clean the gutters but the survey by English Heritage found no structural problems with the building.

Presenting the award EH regional director Andrew Vines said there was no finer example of the changing fortunes of a church than Our Lady and St Mary Magdalen.

'It is a great pleasure to see a much extended congregation here and work is planned to bring other uses to parts of the church that are not used for worship,' he said.