VILLAGERS celebrating a massive £127,000 grant to help save their Grade I listed church are now hoping to raise a final £12,000.
Residents in Terrington, outside Malton, had thought repairs to their church tower would cost £40,000. They were horrified when detailed estimates showed repairs would cost more like £175,000.
News that the project has received the £127,000 lottery grant has been met with delight in the village.
"There are only 350 people in this village and to expect them to cough up £40,000 is going it a bit," said church warden Peter Barber.
"We have been writing to grant-giving bodies, and last autumn we made an application to English Heritage.
"Their architect said that £40,000 would not go anywhere near the amount of work that needs to be done."
Terrington Church, which dates back to Saxon times, has a 15th century tower in urgent need of repair.
And there are hopes to fit modern facilities including a toilet into the church for visitors to use.
Dr Barber said the English Heritage Lottery money would be a huge help.
"It was a very nice present when we heard from English Heritage," he said.
The lottery cash is part dependent on villagers successfully reaching their £40,000 target, Dr Barber added. "The original appeal for that money is still ongoing despite the grant," he said.
Updated: 09:38 Saturday, March 01, 2003
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