Answer to churches' prayers

HISTORIC churches across the East Riding are today celebrating a huge cash windfall to preserve them for future generations.

Eight listed places of worship are sharing more than £1m for urgent repairs from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

From left, Jenny Webb, Joan Warkup and the Rev James Granger Smith outside St Andrew's Church at Foston-on-the-Wolds
St Augustine's Church, Hedon

They include churches in Skeffling, near Withernsea; Hedon; Sigglesthorne, near Hornsea; Foston-on-the-Wolds; Wetwang, near Driffield; Roos, Swine, near Skirlaugh; and Howden.

The work will target crumbling masonry, leaking rooves, damp walls, and damaged stained glass windows - to secure the future of the beautiful buildings.

Foston-on-the-Wolds residents are celebrating winning £94,000 for the second phase of repairs to their eighth century St Andrew's Church.

Jenny Webb, church treasurer and a restoration committee member, said: "It is fantastic news and means we can now get on with repairs to the roof, walls and windows.

"The first phase involves work to the tower, for which we received a £170,000 English Heritage grant, and hopefully that work should be completed for Easter.

"So we are now celebrating a second grant, which is brilliant"

Other recipients are: St Helen's, Skeffling, £189,000; St Nicholas, Wetwang, £172,000; St Augustine, Hedon, £83,000; St Lawrence, Sigglesthorne, £110,000; All Saints, Roos, £19,000; St Mary's, Swine, £145,000; Howden Minster, £188,000.