Essential preservation work is underway on a church spire which was built as a naval landmark during the Napoleonic War.

At 700 years old, Warren Church is one of the oldest in the county and the years have taken their toll.

The mortar has broken down to the point where water is seeping into the building and vegetation is growing both inside and outside the walls.

An inspection carried out four years ago concluded that the tower and spire were in danger of collapsing.

But, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and advice and support from Cadw, work on phase one of the three-part project has started.

The mortar in the tower and spire is being raked out and replaced.

Colonel Johnny Rogers, chairman of the Warren Church Trust, said the building was in need of a major MOT.

He added: "Any building will deteriorate with time, but the church can't be allowed to decline any further. There is a lot of vegetation growing in the joints."

Although the church was built in the 12th century, the tower and spire were constructed in 1820 by the Admiralty as part of the overall plan to defend the Haven.

The cost of some of the restoration work is being underwritten by the Warren Church Trust through fundraising activities.

If anyone wishes to make a donation they can write to Colonel Rogers at Castlemartin Range, Merrion, Pembroke.