ST Bartholomew’s Church in Bayton, has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for its Bayton Church for the next generation project.

The grant will support a major renovation and improvement the important Grade Two listed building. The project will protect and enhance the church for the next generation, enabling many more people to enjoy its rich heritage.

Development funding of £22,300 has been awarded to help progress their plans for a full grant of over £200,000 at a later date.

The project aims to solve long standing problems, including re-roofing, providing new floor, eradicating dry rot and dealing with damp, masonry and plaster problems.

Peter Stanley, churchwarden, said: “This is fantastic news for the community as the HLF grant will help us preserve this delightful historic village church and enable us to make much needed improvements to the facilities, so that many more people will be able to enjoy the rich history and heritage.

“For us, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to enhance our village church for the next generation.”

Reyahn King, head of HLF West Midlands, said: “Places of worship are among the UK’s most historic buildings, with fascinating stories behind them.

“We look forward to receiving, in due course, the detailed plans for the restoration that will help to ensure that St Bartholomew’s can continue to be used by the whole community.”

An open afternoon at the church will take place on Sunday, February 1, from 2pm to 4pm, to see the current proposals.