URGENT repair work can now be carried out on an Evesham church thanks to National Lottery funding worth almost a quarter-of-a-million pounds.

Work on St Mary and St Egwin Catholic Church in High Street will now go ahead at a cost of £236,000, securing this Grade II listed church, built in 1911-12.

Parishioner Jim McArdle, who was part of the team to put the funding bid together, said: “It was with great excitement that we recently discovered the award of substantial funding for the necessary repairs to the exterior of our church.

"I have been a parishioner for over 40 years and whilst some repair work has been carried out over that time, it has no way enabled us to undertake a major refurbishment of this nature.

"This is a real boost to our parish, using National Heritage Lottery Funding, which will be put to good use. Thank you for the award.”

As part of the project a programme of activities will start during August and run through until May 2021.

This will include hard-hat tours and the chance to learn about the conservation of the church first hand. A new parish website and interpretation is also planned for next year.

For more details, contact the Heritage Consultant, Sue Pope on 07875 377243.