An appeal is being launched to save a landmark church in the heart of Brighton from falling into ruin.

The floor of the Grade II listed Brighton Unitarian Church in New Road, which was built in about 1820 in the style of a Greek temple, has begun to show signs of cracking.

The stained glass windows are also at risk of falling out within the year if nothing is done.

The congregation has tried for several years to either raise money or carry out minor repairs to the church but they have not been able to collect anywhere near the £200,000 needed.

Now they are launching a new appeal fund, with the help of professional public relations experts who are Unitarian church members, and support from Brighton and Hove Business Community Partnership.

They hope to raise emergency funds to carry out the most urgent repairs within the next year and raise more to renovate the rest of the church during the next three years.

Surveyors have also discovered the main roof is cracking at the eaves and the plaster mouldings are in danger of falling off.

They have reported major works are needed to repair masonry and the floor, which needs relaying, to stop it deteriorating further from damp.

Churchgoer Andrew Lacey is helping to publicise the appeal and organise applications for Lottery grants.

He said: "The floor might give way and it could go before the roof so it is one of the most urgent jobs.

"It might take more than a year to raise the money, so we need to act now, because some repairs will be needed within three years. The church could fall into ruin in the next ten years if nothing is done to save it.

"It's urgent, but we are not at a stage where we are about to panic about it."

The congregation of Brighton Unitarian Church first gathered in 1793 after being expelled from the Baptist Church for adopting Unitarian beliefs.

They first met in each other's homes but when their numbers grew they bought their plot in New Road from the Prince Regent.

The church building was designed by Amon Henry Wilds and based on the design of the Temple of Theseus in Athens, Greece.