A little village church, saved from demolition 20 years ago, has attracted visitors from all over the world.

St Mary the Virgin in Llanfair Kilgeddin, near Usk, a medieval Grade I listed church that was rebuilt in 1875, closed to the public two decades ago because of its deteriorating condition but recently opened to visitors after a major restoration project.

It was given a reprieve when local resident Roger Perkins, 79 and former church warden Maurice Trumper,77 approached the London-based charity, the Friends of the Friendless Churches, an organisation which saves churches of historic and architectural interest threatened by demolition.

"I attended services there as a child and later became the warden," said Mr Trumper.

"Its condition was deteriorating and needed structural work so we decided to contact the charity to see if they could help."

"It would have been a tragedy of immense proportions if it had been demolished."

"This is a treasured building that holds unique artwork," he added.

Since taking ownership, the building has undergone a £70,000 restoration to restore a little-known Welsh masterpiece found inside known as sgraffito panels.

The artwork, depicting the Benedicte, consists of 16 art noveau panels by the celebrated English craftsman Heywood Sumner and dates from the 1880s.

Mr Sumner’s designs included local features such as the nearby River Usk, the Sugar Loaf and Llanvihangel Gobion Church tower.

The artworks, funded by CADW, were created in memory of Rosamund Lindsay, who died in 1885. Her husband the Rev W J Coussmaker Lindsay, was vicar of St Mary’s.

Mr Perkins, a church key holder, said there has been a lot in interest in St Mary’s.

"We were getting one or two visitors a month but after it featured in a documentary a few months ago we had 50 couples arrive on one weekend," he added.

Friends of the Friendless Church, director Matthew Saunders, said: "We are immensely proud and privileged to be the owners of the church."

"It’s a listed building and the sgraffito is of national importance. Mr Perkins and Mr Trumper have been key figures in helping to secure its future," he added.

To visit the church contact Mr Perkins on 01873 840260.