Sixteen churches in Yorkshire get £1.67m cash boost

Sixteen churches across Yorkshire are to benefit from £1.67m of funding from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The cash will fund repair work "to keep the ravages of time at bay", an English Heritage spokesman said.

The biggest sum, £199,000, will go to St John the Evangelist Church in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Churches in the East Riding, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire are also earmarked for substantial donations.

St Andrew's Church in Ulrome is the only church in the East Riding of Yorkshire to benefit. It is to receive £86,000.

Eight churches in West Yorkshire, including St Cuthbert's in Birkby, Huddersfield, Hope Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge and St Mark's Church in Woodhouse, Leeds, are all getting funds.

St Luke's in New Rossington, Doncaster, Sacred Heart Church in Sheffield, St Peter's Church in Hoyland, Barnsley, and Bullhouse Chapel in Penistone are the buildings to benefit in South Yorkshire.

As well as the St John the Evangelist, two other churches - St Mary's in Arkengarthdale and All Saints Church in Slingsby - will get cash in North Yorkshire.

Trevor Mitchell of English Heritage said: "These are vital grants aiming to nip problems in the bud before they cause far greater damage.

"Our historic places of worship are not only fine buildings in their own right, but often at the centre of their communities, enriching people's lives.

"Our support is vital in helping to keep the ravages of time at bay."