Church leaders welcomed the fund which they say will make more buildings “warm
and secure” for worship and community events.

St Mary de Castro, an ancient, Grade I listed church in Leicester, is one of
the possible recipients of the money. The roof of the 1107 church is in such
bad repair that half a dozen buckets are deployed to catch dripping water
when it rains.

Rosemary Mason, who is running a Save Our Spire appeal for the church, told
The Telegraph: “Our church was around when Richard III was around, his
father was knighted in our church and it is on the trail so it is important
that our buildings are kept in good working order and looking their best.

“They need to be restored because restoring churches is protecting our
heritage for future generations.

“All churches are in the same boat because the buildings are so old and
you have to keep up constant maintenance. There is just not much money going
around and so a fund like this is marvellous, it can help churches not only
in cities but also in small villages where they are the heart of the
community.

“Volunteers are always the ones who step in and raise money but there is only
so much to go around.”

The Bishop of Worcester, Rt Revd Dr John Inge, the bishop lead for church
buildings at the Church of England, said that the grant would make a “real
and lasting difference” to parishes.

He said: “A secure roof can last 100 years and will prevent gradual, and
ultimately costly, decay of fabric.

“It will keep these important buildings warm and secure, allowing them to
remain open and welcoming for both worship and wider community use.”

Luke March, Chairman of the National Churches Trust, said: “As well as being
so important to the UK’s heritage, churches do much to support local people,
being used for many community activities such as playgroups, lunch clubs and
cultural events.

He added: “Churches may be historic buildings. But they also need to be part
of our future.”