Selby's Roman Catholic priest has reacted with anger and dismay after a £250,000 church restoration appeal was snubbed by English Heritage.

Father John Aveyard said the decision would put St Mary's Church, in Gowthorpe, in the red - and possibly delay plans to build a parish centre.

He said English Heritage - the Government quango which protects the nation's historic buildings - had refused to even consider the grant application to renew some of the church's stonework and replace the roof.

Father Aveyard said: "Once English Heritage discovered our church was in credit, they told the diocese there was no point in applying. To say I am disappointed is an understatement.

"There are half a million listed buildings in the country but only five per cent are grade one or grade two star.

"St Mary's is a grade two star building built in 1856. The church is part of our cultural heritage and I strongly believe we had a bona fide case for a grant."

English Heritage was criticised earlier this year when it rejected Selby Abbey's £1.5 million restoration appeal.

English Heritage spokeswoman Helen Barnett said: "It appeared the church had the resources to fund the restoration work themselves, and we told them this would be taken into account if they applied.

"We are massively over-subscribed. We need to use strict criteria when we judge each application and give the money where it's needed most."

Any donations towards the restoration work can be sent to Father Aveyard. Cheques should be made payable to St Mary's and sent to the parish priest at St Mary's, Gowthorpe, Selby YO8 4HS.

Selby@ycp.co.uk