A CHURCH described as one of Ryedale "hidden historical gems" has gained the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund - and is launching its plans with a festival this weekend.

The tiny church of St Hilda in Ellerburn, a secluded valley in the North York Moors not far from Thornton-le-Dale, was awarded £3,000.

The money will cover the cost of notice boards and audio equipment and will also go towards the printing of leaflets and books related to church history and village heritage.

Planned 'information areas' will illustrate the story of St Hilda of Whitby, the church's timeline through history and its importance as a place of worship and pilgrimage.

Liz Cowley Church Warden said: "This is a huge boost for the church.

"We have organised a festival to launch our project plans for the weekend of September 21 to 23.

"There will be talks, demonstrations of rural crafts and musical events all taking place in and around the church. Programmes and tickets are available at Wardill Bros in Thornton-le-Dale."

Once the 'mother church' within the benefice, St Hilda's future could reputedly lie in the balance due to diminishing congregation numbers and rising maintenance costs.

In response, the Friends of St Hilda’s Church committee has recently been formed to "share the beauty, heritage and history of this ancient place of worship with visitors far and wide".

The committee are now busy putting plans into action and the information project will be completed by September 2019.