One of the county town's most historic churches has launched an appeal to raise £130,000 for urgent roof repair work.

All Saints Church in Mill Street, Maidstone, which has been around for more than 600 years, was built in 1395.

Five of the church’s six roofs have already been repaired, thanks to a £352,000 boost from the Culture Recovery Fund, and once the new target is reached, work on the final one will begin.

Priest The Reverend John Richardson said: “All Saints Church is the spiritual heart of the town and is steeped in history. We welcome everyone from across the town, and indeed county, but we have had to close part of the building until this essential work is carried out.

“Historic England’s incredible grant is truly generous. It is now up to us to raise the additional £130,000 needed so we can continue to be at the heart of Maidstone, supporting the town and sharing our lives together.”

The church is a well-known part of the town after being built in the 14th century as a Collegiate Church by Archbishop William Courtenay.

Around 24 clergy sang morning and evening prayer each day and looked after the pastoral, educational and practical needs of the people of Maidstone.

In 1549 the college was dissolved and the church became the Parish Church of the town and has since been ministered by the parish priest and his colleagues.

It’s believed the historic American Stars and Stripes was said to be ‘born’ in the town.

Lawrence Washington, a Justice of the Peace in Kent and one of two MPs for the town, was the great-great-great-great-great-uncle of George Washington, the first president of the United States.

Washington - not the American president - lived in Stone Street and Knightrider Street, and died in 1619.

But, his coats of arms, an eagle, three stars and two red stripes against a white background, something which is thought to be the basis of the historic flag, can be found at his memorial at All Saints Church.

For more information about the Save All Saints appeal or to donate, click here.