Church restoration project receives extra boost

Ballaugh Old Church dates back to 1231

A £6,000 grant has been awarded for the ongoing restoration of an 800-year-old Church in the west of the Isle of Man.

The funds will be used for preservation works and improvements to Ballaugh Old Church, which dates back to 1231.

The £6,834 awarded to Friends of Ballaugh Old Church, set up two years ago, will restore the building's 1707 weathervane and paint the walls.

Lennie Fenton from Friends of Ballaugh Old Church said it would "make a real difference for our ability to care for this special building, which holds such an important place in the heart of the community".

Some of the funds would be used to paint the interior walls of the Church

The group could "press ahead with essential restoration work and improvements, ensuring the church remains a warm, dry and inviting space for everyone to enjoy", she added.

The grant, awarded by Manx Lottery Trust, would also enable the group to buy an industrial dehumidifier for the winter.

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust said the group's "commitment to preserving and enhancing the church ensures it continues to serve as a vibrant part of village life".