Totnes church wins £965k grant for restoration

St Mary's Church in Totnes was awarded more than half a million pounds for restoration and development works

More than £500,000 has been given to a church in Devon for restoration works and the development of facilities.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded St Mary's Church in Totnes £965,416 towards it two-year development programme, church leaders said.

The total project has been costed at £1.6m and includes repairing the nave and making it more accessible for community groups.

The church is also due to have green heating and power installed.

Rector and interim project manager the Reverend Jim Barlow said it was "fantastic news".

He said: "St. Mary’s is the jewel at the heart of Totnes. It is such a special place.

"The planned work and activities will enhance its character and make it possible for more people to use the building more often, and for a wider range of life-enhancing activities."

He added the community was fundraising for the remainder of the costs.

Preliminary works were expected to begin in November and the church would be closed for up to six months after Christmas, staff said.