A 200-year-old Church in Cappagh has joined the official list of top historic buildings in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) added the previously unlisted, Cappagh Parish Church, Church of Ireland, in Co Tyrone.

It has been made a grade B+ Listed building and is therefore considered to be among the top 600 most important historic buildings in Northern Ireland.

NIEA became aware of the church as a result of a major survey of historic buildings which NIEA, and its predecessor the Environment and Heritage Service, has been undertaking across the province since 1997.

An NIEA spokesman said: "Cappagh Church is undoubtedly one of the finest rural churches in County Tyrone. It is highly unusual that a building of this quality was not previously listed as our first listing survey in the early 1970s was quite comprehensive.

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"Our current 'Second Survey' in addition to providing better research on existing listed buildings, has been mainly adding structures such as mills and vernacular buildings, which would not have been as highly valued at that time."

The church, located in an unspoiled setting in a graveyard near the River Strule, was built around 1780. Its architect is unknown but similarities to other churches suggest that it may be by the important architect Thomas Cooley.

It also has a fine chancel extension dating from the 1870s by the ecclesiastical architects Welland and Gillespie. Inside, the building retains much historic internal detail. It is also located on a site which has long ecclesiastical associations.

All of Omagh District Council area has been surveyed in detail over the last year and the results are being added to the NIEA website as they are evaluated and processed.

An illustrated essay highlighting the important buildings and structures in this part of Co Tyrone, is also in preparation for publication.

(BMcC/GK)