A LANDMARK building may not be the obvious choice for a hidden gem but the walls of St Michael's Church hide some unique treasures amid a history spanning centuries.

Congregations have worshipped at the Grade II listed building for more than 800 years and the centuries have certainly left their mark.

Middlewich historian Allan Earl said there were a number of items of historical interest within the church from heraldic screens detailing the Venables family history to the recently uncovered chancel floor.

He said: "There are so many treasures - the wooden and iron bound poores box as you go out of the church by the south door facing Lewin Street is particularly unique. The Venables screens, which are due to be restored and put back in the church, are also unique in the north west.

"The chancel floor is of Minton tile and was laid in between 1857 and 1858. Until recently it was covered up by a blue carpet. The Rev Ian Bishop decided to take the carpet up so people could view the beautiful Minton floor."

But Allan, president of Middlewich Heritage Society, said it was important the church should look to the future as well as the past.

He said: "It isn't a museum, it's a living thing and people care for it and worship in it most days of the week.

"In a pastoral sense you have a building that isn't really suitable for the occasion that the community want it to be used for. You need to strike a balance between preserving the old features and yet having a modern outlook."

Mr Bishop, rector at St Michael's for five years, said this was the aim of the church re-ordering, which will see the addition of a church room, kitchen and toilets within its walls.

He said: "The building itself is very beautiful but it's a nightmare - at the moment it's cold, dark and doesn't work as we want it to do and it costs us an absolute fortune in terms of ongoing maintenance."

Upkeep of the church costs more than £2,000 a week, which is covered by the regular congregation of around 200.

Mr Bishop added: "Essentially it's a beautiful pile of bricks - we wouldn't for one moment want to abandon it or let it go but it's difficult."