A grant of £119,000 will provide a massive boost to a campaign to raise money to pay for urgent repairs at a Lillington church.

Last week, Historic England announced that the Grade II listed Catholic Church of Our Lady in Valley Road had been successful in its bid for the grant funding.

It has been listed among seven churches across the Midlands to receive support from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Places of Worship Renewal Fund which is designed to support the nation’s historic places of worship.

An estimated £240,000 is needed to repair the roof, remove asbestos, improve drainage and complete internal restoration work.

Some of the stained glass windows at the Catholic Church of Our Lady in Lillington. Pictures supplied.

placeholder image — Some of the stained glass windows at the Catholic Church of Our Lady in Lillington. Pictures supplied.

The parish has also raised £64,000 by selling commemorative roof tiles and through various fundraising activities and social events.

The church, built in 1963, is best known for its dalle de verre windows.

It also houses a mosaic by Steven Sykes, who created the stunning Gethsemene Chapel at Coventry Cathedral.

Over the past few years, the roof's condition has deteriorated, and buckets are a regular feature during heavy rain.

A team of parishioners will now work on delivering the project so that next winter the church will be bucket-free.

Parish priest, Father Stephen Day, said: “With urgent roof repairs needed, the parishioners came up with a vision, which has quickly become a wonderful way to invigorate and engage the whole parish in its mission and witness.

"The bid-writing and fundraising teams have worked tirelessly, and we are delighted that all the hard work is coming to fruition.”

To find out more about the grant visit: https://tinyurl.com/yx48j2r4