A TYNEDALE church has been awarded a grant which will fund much-needed repairs to its tower.

St Mary’s Church in Stamfordham received £18,900 after the Stamfordham Parochial Parish Council (PCC) successfully applied for a grant through the Government-funded Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund.

The project will go towards major repairs to the disintegrating church tower roof and restore upper level masonry work to ensure the tower is watertight.

Local archaeologist and authority on historic churches, Peter Ryder, believes the church was built in 700AD.

It is thought the Grade II-listed building was a refuge for people in the village during the Border Reiver days.

There is evidence of a fire on the ground floor, thought to have been started when people were trying to smoke out those seeking safety in the upper levels.

The Rev. Rachel Scheffer said: “We were absolutely delighted when we received the news of the grant. Work has already been done to make the rest of the church watertight and this grant will help us complete the work.”

The funding will also help to install a new heating system and much-needed toilet facility.

“The church, with its history dating back 1,300 years, is a very important part of our village, attracting visitors from all over the world,” the vicar added.

“St Mary’s is part of the village heartbeat.

“With the tower repaired and the heating and toilet installed, we look forward to hosting more concerts, school visits and other social events, as well as our regular family occasions like baptisms and weddings.”

The money is part of a wider funding package of £22.9m to 401 historic places across the UK. The fund is administered by the National Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Keep up to date with the developments by searching St Mary’s Stamfordham on Facebook.