Historic church 'saved' by £4.5m grant

The money will fund an "ambitious" restoration of Hastings' Holy Trinity (HTH) Church

A historic East Sussex church has said it has been "saved" by a £4.5 million grant.

Hastings' Holy Trinity (HTH) Church announced it had received the money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for what it called the "most ambitious" restoration project in the area's history.

It said the Grade II*-listed town centre building was at risk of being lost without the funding as it continued to deteriorate.

Jerry Hocking, heritage lead for HTH Church, said he was "thrilled" by the news.

The project will see urgent repairs made to the Gothic Revival building's sandstone walls, stained glass windows and rainwater goods, plus the restoration of its war memorial.

Access and facilities at the church will also be improved.

The project, which was also supported by £420,000 from charitable trusts and donors, is set to involve 200 volunteers and a programme of 167 annual activities, including conservation sessions, storytelling events, creative workshops, school projects, oral history and open days.

"This is hugely important in the life of our church and community and will make a lasting difference to our town," said HTH vicar Simon Larkin.

"This church, once at risk of closure, is now fully alive and a place of hope and inspiration for so many," he continued.