London’s New West End Synagogue is to receive £108,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for urgent repairs to a leaking roof in its Grade I listed property.

“It is a special synagogue,” said Cindy Molenaar, business manager at the London region of English Heritage. “The interior is stunning and it is important to avoid any damage to it.”

Gutters and downpipes also need replacing at the Bayswater shul, which was built in 1879 and was accorded Grade 1 listed status in 2007. The cost of the repair work will be £250,000 and the balance will come from synagogue funds.

New West End chairman Melvyn Lux said that the 500-strong community was “honoured and delighted that English Heritage has taken us under its wing”.

The building was now on the “viewing circuit” for tourists in the capital, he added.