A businessman has pledged £2,500 to help save an historic church.

St Andrew's Church in Waterloo Street, Hove, is struggling to stay open and needs to stump-up £15,000 to pay for heating and other maintenance work.

A functioning heating system and the installation of public toilets will mean the church can open all year round and get a licence to hold events such as weddings.

The Argus reported how the recently-formed Friends of St Andrew's is desperate to raise the £15,000 needed to win a further £20,000 donation from the Churches' Conservation Trust.

Mark Peake, managing director of Peake Cleaning and Hygiene Services Ltd and Panther Inns Ltd that owns The Conqueror Inn, Lower Market Street, Hove, wanted to help the church after reading about its plight.

He said: "I have just taken over The Conqueror Inn, which is around the corner from St Andrew's Church, and I would be happy to kick-start the fund with £2,500.

"The history of Brighton and Hove needs to be kept going and I was keen to put something back into the community. I thought maybe if I did something other businesses might come forward and help."

The church, which dates back to 1828, was designed by architect Sir Charles Barry, who also designed St Peter's, Brighton's parish church, and went on to rebuild the Houses of Parliament after a fire in 1834.

Church records also show that authors Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll and the Prince Regent worshipped there.

In July, workmen uncovered a stash of gin bottles in what is thought to be the remnants of a secret tunnel leading from the church to a pub over the road.

The church is also the only one in Hove which has a crypt. It holds 55 bodies buried in leather coffins and has an interest for tourists. But with no minister and no regular services, St Andrew's has to rely on donations and money raised from various events.

Former custodian of the church and city historian and tour guide Michael Robins set up the Friends of St Andrew's before leaving his post.

He said: "I am delighted that the Friends of St Andrew's has proved successful in their endeavours. This donation is an extremely generous gift.

"The church is very important. It is an example of the work of Sir Charles Barry, one of our greatest Victorian architects. We are so lucky to have it."

To donate money to the Friends of St Andrew's, contact the secretary Chris Jones on 01273 736578.