A SMALL church in Sourton will benefit from a £40,000 grant to fund urgent roof repairs.

St Thomas à Becket Church received funds after the Sourton Parochial Church Council (PCC) successfully applied for the grant through the Government funded Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund.

The church has stood for many centuries and over the years the exterior has suffered from the wet and windy weather that Dartmoor often attracts. Hence why the church is in need of vital roof repairs.

PCC treasurer Ruth Humphrey said: ‘By being awarded the grant, together with funds already in hand, the PCC will be able to ensure that the roof will remain water tight for many years to come.

‘This is wonderful news and the PCC are extremely grateful to the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund, as this funding will enable the repairs to be completed far sooner than anticipated.’

The £40,000 given to the church is a part of a wider funding package of £22.9-million, which has been put in place by the Government in order to fund repairs on 401 historic places of worship across the UK. The fund was originally launched by the Chancellor in his Autumn statement in December 2014, however, the funding package has now risen to £55-million, and has helped a total of 903 places of worship nationwide.

The money was administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) on behalf of the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).

The National Heritage Memorial Fund was set up in 1980 in order to save the most outstanding parts of British heritage as a memorial to those who have given their lives for the UK.

Although the congregation at St Thomas à Becket Church is small, the position of the church on the edge of Dartmoor and near the Granite Way cycle path means that the church attracts many visitors.

A church spokesperson said that visitors often benefit from the tranquil interior and peaceful setting of the church, which is situated on the North West edge of Dartmoor.

The 14th century church was built in honour of Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.

The church, which has a long and rich history, hopes to raise additional funding for further building renovation and improvement.

To help with fundraising the PCC will be hosting three cream teas in the parish hall on Sunday, August 14, 21, and 28. Visitors are invited from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.