A CHURCH in an empty village and a viaduct built for the Great Western Railway are among nine of the most run down buildings in the region, according to English Heritage.

Its Buildings at Risk register lists monuments and buildings that have fallen into disrepair or are in danger of being lost forever.

This year's list includes four buildings in north Wiltshire and five in west Wiltshire, including for the first time St Giles' Church at Imber.

Villagers moved out of Imber in 1943 when it was taken over by the army and the church, having no congregation, has fallen into disrepair.

Richard Trahair, diocesan property secretary, said: "By putting St Giles' on the register it will help secure funding to save this important listed building.

"We hope to be able to finance repairs to the structure and the protection of the interior wall and paintings."

Many of the buildings on the register are derelict, empty or abandoned.

Since the register was set up in 1999, English Heritage has spent over £27m on upgrading and restoration.

West Wiltshire District Council conservation officer, Caroline Power, said: "The point is to highlight these buildings and raise awareness.

"Unfortunately some of the buildings have been on the register since it was first created but the district council is working with English Heritage to save them."

Also on the list is a grade II listed railway viaduct at New Road in Chippenham, which was part of the original Great Western Railway.

Designed and built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the viaduct was opened in 1842 and widened seven years later.

Traffic passes through two of the nine arches while trains travelling to Swindon and Wales still use the top of the viaduct, but over the years the Victorian railway bridge has fallen into disrepair.

Tony White, spokesman from Chippenham civil society said: "This is a vitally historic construction and any work that needs to be done to return the structure to its excellent condition is very welcome."

In Westbury, the Phipps mausoleum at the town's cemetery, is also in need of repair.

The privately owned grade II listed mausoleum was built in 1871 for local landowner John Lewis Phipps.

In the UK, on average one historic building or monument is lost every day, according to English Heritage.

The Buildings at Risk register will be the subject of a BBC2 television show called Restoration which is to be screened later in the year.

Most at risk

St Giles' Church, Imber: the Grade I listed church on Salisbury Plain has no congregation to support costs of repairs.

Railway viaduct, New Road, Chippenham: Part of the original Great Western Railway with nine archways, still used by trains today.

Buildings behind the Lansdowne Strand Hotel, Calne: Former coach house, stable and brewery with decaying roof and interior.

Phipps mausoleum, Westbury Cemetery: Grade II listed privately owned mausoleum in need of repair.

Westcroft, British Row, Trowbridge: Previously abandoned houses first built in 1784 but currently being turned into new homes.

Early Wing, Brook Hall, Brokerswood: Buil-ding attached to a Grade II listed house and recently saved from collapse.

Woodhouse Castle, Brixton Deverill: Remains of a medieval manor house in deterioration.

Two former hangers at Yatesbury airfield: Built in 1917 but close to collapse after decades of neglect.

92-94 Bradenstoke, Lyne-ham: Grade II listed homes built in the 15th century and recently upgraded.