English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund have announced grants of just under £7million to help restore 68 of the country’s historic Grade II listed places of worship of different faiths and denominations across the country. The grants are being awarded under the Repair Grants for Places of Worship in England Scheme.

Robyn Llewellyn, head of the scheme, said: “Churches are often at the heart of the communities they serve and an important hub for local activities. Without continued investment for essential maintenance and repair work these precious buildings wouldn’t survive. The Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage have long been working together to protect places of worship and today’s announcement will make a huge difference.”

Earlier this year, £15.7million was made available through the Repair Grants for Places of Worship in England Scheme for repairs to 154 Grade I and II* places of worship. This makes the scheme the largest single funding source for repairs. Since it began in 2002 more than £179million have been awarded to over 1,900 projects.