Southend Airport has received a major body blow after historic St Laurence Church was named one of the UK's most treasured buildings.

Centre of controversy - the airport church has been granted Grade I listed status which will make it difficult to be moved to make way for an extended runway. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 6ECLR1

Government watchdog English Heritage upgraded the 1,000-year-old church to a Grade I listing, hailing it as one of the top two per cent most important buildings in the country.

Protesters believe the move will bolster the campaign to stop the church, off Eastwoodbury Lane in Eastwood, being shifted 150 yards to make way for safety zones at Southend Airport.

However, airport director Roger Campbell has warned that the airport and around 6,000 jobs could be at risk if the plan fails.

Andrew Derrick, inspector of historic buildings for English Heritage, said: "Grade I is the right grade for St Laurence's Church and it confirms it as a very important building.

"Only the two per cent most important buildings in the country are Grade I listed so now the church is in the same bracket as the most important buildings. This means that demolishing the church would be unthinkable.

"Any decision on moving the church will have to go through the local planning authority, but being Grade I listed will make a difference on how people view the building."

Mrs Acton, of Eastwood Park Road, Leigh, whose husband is buried in the churchyard, said: "I am absolutely in awe of what has happened. I can hardly believe it. This has given us a very strong weapon. They will now have a job to move the church.

Around 5,000 people have signed petitions opposing the plans to move the church, she added.

Church warden Richard Huband said: "This is great news. It emphases the importance of the building as a building."

Mr Campbell said the decision was simple - the church has to move if the airport is to survive. He added: "Thousands of jobs, which could be created if expansion plans go ahead, will be lost.

"It is not just a case of expansion. We have to comply with safety standards set down by the Civil Aviation Authority and they must be implemented. The future hinges on these plans."

Published Wednesday January 16, 2002