A campaign to drum up more funding for dilapidated churches was launched yesterday as Oxfordshire was revealed as having among the highest number in need of help.

English Heritage said the cost of repairing England's churches stood at nearly £1bn.

It has come up with the campaign slogan 'Inspired' to draw attention to problems with funding.

Figures obtained by the conservation group said the Church of England's Oxford Diocese, along with the London and Norwich Dioceses, had the greatest number of churches in need of repair, between 43 and 65.

But the Diocese of Oxford, which has 808 churches in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, says at least 249 of its churches need some kind of restoration or repairs.

Oxfordshire has 372 Anglican churches 326 of which are listed, meaning that they must meet certain standards in the way they are preserved and developed. The county has 249 Grade I and Grade II* of "exceptional" or "particularly important" architectural value.

English Heritage said the estimated bill for repairs to listed buildings was £925m over the next five years £185m per year.

The Government-funded body, which along with the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources gives grants to churches of £40m a year, said the bill could be cut if problems were identified and fixed early but extra cash was needed. It has called on the Government to give an extra £26.52m per year and urged churchgoers to help.

Robin Brunner-Ellis, the Oxford Diocese's Christian giving and funding adviser, said congregation members in Oxfordshire already worked hard to raise funds.

He said: "There are positives and negatives of English Heritage's campaign.

"They speak of problems, but in fact congregations are working extremely hard and successfully year in, year out.

"I think really the positive thing is that there's a recognition that forward planning is needed if a roof will need repairing in five years, then start fundraising now, not when it's a significant problem.

"Hopefully, this will also encourage local communities to get involved, even if they're not traditionally connected with the church."

English Heritage's chief executive Simon Thurley said: "This campaign is about understanding the problem and taking action before we reach the crisis that's otherwise approaching, not this year, not even next year, but in the very near future."

Oxfordshire churches wanting advice on funding can call Mr Brunner-Ellis on 01865 208254.