The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is today announcing £430,000 of funding for Yorkshire and the Humber’s historic churches, securing the future of four places of worship that are in urgent need of repair.

The funding will allow vital repair works to these important buildings, help them provide better facilities and make the churches more suitable for wider community use.

Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF, Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Places of worship are among the UK’s most historic buildings, with fascinating stories behind them. This money will pay for urgent repairs, whilst also helping to tell the stories of these special places to visitors. As a result the buildings themselves will be more used by the whole community, and properly cared for into the future.”

HLF Grants for Places of Worship announced today include:

St Paul’s Church, Holgate, Grant: £73,000
This Grade II* listed church was built between 1850 and 1851 for the increasing population of railway workers. It stands close to the main London to Edinburgh rail link and was conceived as a beacon to travellers arriving at York by train. It has been awarded £73,000 for urgent repair and conservation of the west front, bell cote and pinnacles and a programme of activities to allow people to find out more about the heritage of St. Paul's.

St James Cross Road Church, Keighley, Grant: £109,600
This Grade II* listed church was designed by J B Bailey and Son of Keighley in the Perpendicular style in 1909-1910. It has been awarded £109,600 to repair its 100-year old roof.

Wistow All Saints Church, Wistow, Grant: £57,000
This Grade I listed Church dates to the 13th century and is a focal point of the community and is used by other groups and organisations. It has been awarded £57,000 for urgent repairs.

St Wilfred’s Church, Kilvington, Grant: £190,800
This grade II* listed dates back to 1275 and has been awarded £190,800 for urgent repair works.

Further information

HLF press office, Natasha Hughes or Tom Williams, on tel: 020 7591 6143/6056.