Dame Judi Dench has backed a Warwick church's fundraising appeal for its £1.8million tower restoration project.

The British TV and film star has released a short video on YouTube describing the Old Square church as "very dear" to her and asking people to "please give what you can".

The church was originally founded by Roger de Newburgh, Earl of Warwick, in 1123 and will celebrate its 900th anniversary next year.

Campaign 2023 fundraisers hope the essential works will be completed in time.

The money raised will be used for repointing, pointing, repairing and replacing the eroded stonework.

Dame Judi said her connection to Warwick came through her friendship with former vicar Joseph McCulloch.

The vicar released as series called the Bow Dialogues between 1964 and 1979 which featured a number of 'conversations with' famous people including Dame Judi.

They were recorded at St Mary-le-Bow Church in Cheapside.

Warwick District Council recently revealed that it would donate £100,000 to the project.

(Header image inset by Caroline Bonarde Ucci via wikimedia.commons)