Plans to save Llangwm's medieval church and uncover the village's Flemish roots have been backed by Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies.

Mr. Davies, who was shown around the church by Heritage Llangwm chair Pam Hunt, said he would support efforts by the team to raise the further funds they need to carry out their plans.

He described his visit as "truly thought-provoking and inspiring."

"I was delighted to visit the church and it gives me great pleasure to support St. Jerome's," commented Mr. Davies.

"I look forward to visiting the church again once the work is complete."

Pam Hunt commented: "We've already received help from Mr. Davies and his team in our fund-raising efforts, and we're delighted that he's championing our cause to help us identify the further backers we need."

The plans include renovating the church and adding modern facilities for worship and events, and also researching the history of the Flemish community whose ancestors arrived in Britain with William the Conquerer.

The project received a grant of £340,400 last month from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), as well as funding from the All Churches Trust.

Pam also announced a new grant of £10,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

"We have most of the funding we need to carry out the work, and we're now charging down the home straight to raise the final sum so that the HLF grant will be released," she said.

Mr. Davies was also briefed on plans to create 'The Talking Tapestry of Llangwm', which will feature scenes from the village's history embroidered by local people. An app for mobile phones and tablets will enable viewers to call up the full story in words and pictures.

"I believe that the tapestry will be an excellent feature which will utilise modern technology to tell a story of many hundreds of years ago," Mr. Davies added.

The head of the HLF in Wales, Jennifer Stewart, said St. Jerome's perfectly reflected Wales's rich heritage.

"From its medieval roots to its Flemish connections, this church has a wonderful story to share and will have an important role to play in bringing the local community together, making it an excellent investment of National Lottery players' money."