But at St Mary the Virgin in Hemsby, years of failed underground drainage have left the medieval building sitting in what locals jokingly call its “accidental moat”.

After heavy rain, water gathers in a ring around the church, soaking into the nave walls and damaging both the exterior stonework and the internal finishes.

Now, thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the church is finally set to drain its unwanted water feature.

After rainfall, water gathers in a ring around St Mary the........

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