A storm that hit parts of Tenerife towards the end of January opened up some serious cracks in the fabric of one of the island’s oldest buildings.

The splendid Iglesia de las Nieves in the northern village of Taganana dates back to 1506, just eight years after the Spanish conquest of the island was completed in 1498.

Structurally, the church is in poor condition, particularly the roof. Since the storm broke in January, the parish priest has had to resort to a system of 50 strategically placed plastic buckets to catch the water that seeps in and drips down from the ceiling.

The noise from the constant dripping does nothing for the quiet dignity of church services.

The priest, Father Vicente Spouy, hopes that by publicising the plight of the little church that he can bring about urgent action.

The church is already recongised as a building ...

The British love affair with the island of Tenerife continues unabated.

Nearly two million Britons fly to this ‘island of eternal spring’ every year, most of them in pursuit of summer sun or winter warmth in the playgrounds of the south, though increasing numbers are discovering the quieter side of the island in the greener north.

Tourism is the mainstay of the economy here in Tenerife, attracting over five million mostly European visitors every year.

But it’s Britons and visitors from mainland Spain who make up nearly 70 per cent of Tenerife’s tourist total.

Tenerife is the most popular of the Canary Island holiday destinations, attracting more visitors than the rest of the archipelago put together.

Current estimates say that around 20,000 Brits are resident on the island, with many more owning holiday homes or investment properties here.

Indeed, Tenerife has been a favourite destination of the British since early in the ...