Repairs fixed for needy churches

Listed places of worship in the South West are to get vital repairs after receiving grants totalling £552,000.

The funding from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund is part of a round of national grants for Grade I and II listed churches and chapels.

Four buildings in Devon and two in Cornwall were awarded the money.

In Gwithian, the Methodist Chapel is to receive £86,000 to fix a worn thatched roof and semi-collapsed wall which has left it exposed to wind and rain.

'Act quickly'

The 1810 Wesleyian Methodist Chapel serves nearby Gwithian, Hayle, Gwinear and Camborne.

Dr Robert Bewley, regional director of English Heritage in the South West said: "Here we have a small community fighting hard to protect this Grade II listed piece of our nation's heritage, and important part of the local community.

"Thatched roofs are rare among places of worship and it is important that we act quickly to preserve this feature."

Further funding in Devon went to St Andrew Church in Alwington which received £152,000, St David in Ashprington was given £25,000, St Michael's Church in Musbury was awarded £106,000 and St Hieritha in Chittlehampton was given £32,000.

In Cornwall, the Methodist Chapel in Gwithian was given £86,000 and St Mabena in St Mabyn was given £151,000.