CHURCHES in Ryedale will benefit from a share of a £1.9m grant to carry out urgent roof repairs.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced a list of churches that would receive a share of the grants under the Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund.

Four churches in Ryedale will receive a share of the money, ranging from £32,000 to £100,000.

The Reverend Fr Antony Pritchett, of St Peter and St Paul Church, in Pickering, said he was thrilled to receive the news that the church had been awarded £43,100.

“This is just brilliant news and we couldn’t be happier,” he said.

“The church has been so well looked after, but one thing we knew would need doing is the church’s north transept roof. It will be a big job because all the lead will need replacing but we are so pleased that we will now hopefully be able to do it.”

Fr Antony estimated that the work would cost more than the grant, but said that the church would contribute towards the cost.

Malton churches St Michael’s and St Mary’s were also given a share of the money. St Michael’s in Malton was awarded £38,100 while St Mary’s in Old Malton was given a grant of £32,500 to carry out vital roof repairs.

Ampleforth Abbey Church of St Laurence received a £100,000 grant to carry out extensive repairs as part of the fund which was launched by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement.

The scheme will reopen for 2016 applicants later this year and for more information, visit lpowroof.org.uk