REPAIRS to a village church have been made possible by a Government-backed repairs fund.
St Cuthbert with St Mary’s Church in Barton, near Richmond, has been awarded £19,000 by the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repairs Fund.
Work is underway to replace the entire roof and gutters in a scheme costing £45,000.
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak visited the church to see the progress of the work.
He said: “There is at least one place of worship in almost every village, ward or neighbourhood throughout the country - and each year 85 per cent of the population visits a place of worship.
“They are often the most distinctive building in an area, the focus for many civil and social activities as well as worship, and they provide a powerful visual connection with our past.
“I’m delighted this beautiful church is a beneficiary of the scheme.”
Churchwarden Peter Vaux said the works had been delayed by the recent poor weather but it was hoped it would be complete early in the new year.
He said: “We have been extremely fortunate to obtain this grant which was essential to getting this vital work started. We had some of own legacy funds but this is what made the difference.”
Mr Vaux thanked everyone who had been involved with the project and particular villager and retired building surveyor Bob Hulmes (cor).
The church dates from 1841. It was designed by the distinguished architect Ignatius Bonomi.
The Listed Places of Worship Roof Repairs Fund was set up after the Chancellor of the Exchequer committed £15m of funding in 2014.
After the programme opened for applications the high demand resulted in the Chancellor committing further funds to the scheme in the 2015 Budget.