A historic church in Little Missenden that is famous for appearing on film and television has been awarded funding for a restoration project.

Earl Howe, minister of state for defence and deputy leader of the House of Lords, is appearing at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist today to officially announce that the church is being supported by a Heritage Lottery Fund.

Development Funding of £29,000 has been awarded to help the church, which has featured in episodes of Midsomer Murders, progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

The Christopher Project, which takes its name from the 13th century painting of St Christopher on the north wall of the church, will clean, protect and conserve a series of ancient wall paintings that have been described as “an exceptional ensemble of paintings of different periods and certainly of national importance” by the Courtauld Institute of Art.

The church will also get new lighting, plaster repairs, its walls limewashed and improved environmental controls, which will help the conservation of the paintings.

A new information and education area for visitors will also be created.

Little Missenden Church has been a focal point of the community for over 1040 years, having been built in the year 975.