Fragments of an ancient wall painting dating back to medieval times have been discovered during restoration work at 13th century Stuston church.
Last year villagers rallied to the cause when it emerged that £185,000 was needed for urgent repairs to make the nave, porch and vestry roofs watertight.
English Heritage and other funding bodies promised £165,000 towards the project - on condition that the small community of 140 souls met a December 2007 deadline to prove their commitment to making up the shortfall.
Small and not terribly detailed photo of the painting at the link.