A well-known Belfast church has been placed on the 2009 'Watch List' of 100 most endangered historic sites in the world

Carlisle Memorial Methodist Church at Carlisle Circus was identified by the World Monuments Fund in New York.

The church - which was built in 1875 - has been lying empty for the past 30 years and is one of just five buildings in the United Kingdom to appear on the list.

Northern Ireland Culture Minister Nelson McCausland said he strongly supports the protection of architectural and cultural heritage.

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"Carlisle Memorial Methodist Church is one of the most iconic buildings in Belfast and sits on the corridor linking the Cathedral Quarter to the Crumlin Road Jail," he said.

"The building is in poor condition because of the past 30 years of exposure to the elements, vandalism and neglect and it is in desperate need of restoration.

"Inclusion of the building on this list is important as it brings it to the attention of local and national government, government agencies as well as charitable institutions and can act as catalyst to restoration."

The list which is published every two years includes temples, churches, rice terraces, walled cities, historic centres and cultural landscapes from around the globe.

(PR/BMcC)