Holy Trinity Church in Colchester receives lottery funding

Holy Trinity Church is Colchester's oldest standing building, according to Visit Colchester

A city's oldest standing building has received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Holy Trinity Church in Colchester has received £147,000 from the fund.

The money will be used to refurbish the Grade I-listed building, which dates from the 11th Century.

Robyn Llewellyn from the fund said: "We are delighted to support the transformation of Colchester's iconic Holy Trinity Church into a vibrant community hub."

A church spokesperson said the funding had taken it "one step closer" to a "transformation"

They said they hoped the funding had paved the way in securing additional funding it had applied for, including £1.7m from the fund.

'Wonderful news'

Two further funding applications of £250,000 - to Historic England for the restoration of the tower and the the Community Ownership Fund - are also pending.

If successful, along with the £500,000 contribution from government grants already secured, they could bring the total project budget to about £2.8m.

Natalie Sommers, Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for communities at Colchester City Council, said: "This is wonderful news, the result of years of consultation and planning.

"I would like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for supporting this great project."The Saxon tower of Holy Trinity Church, dating back to the 11th Century, before the Norman Conquest, holds a special place in our city's history.

"I cannot think of a better way to honour Colchester's proud past than by ensuring our historic church has a great future."