A much loved Cornish church is to share in a £429,211 funding payout from the National Churches Trust.

A £15,000 National Churches Trust Repair Grant will help fund urgent repairs to a leaking roof at Grade I listed St Wendrona, in Wendron, making the church watertight and preserving its historic fabric.

The church is currently on the Historic England ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of The National Churches Trust, said: “The UK's historic churches and chapels are a vital part of our national heritage. But to survive, many need to carry out urgent repairs and install modern facilities. The cost of this work is far beyond what most congregations can pay for themselves.

“So I’m delighted that St Wendrona, Wendron, is being helped with a £15,000 National Churches Trust grant. The urgent repairs to its roof will mean it is removed from Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register, helping to ensure the future of this important community building.”

A total of 77 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from the latest grants from the National Churches Trust, the charity supporting church buildings of all Christian denominations across the UK.

In 2018 the National Churches Trust awarded grants of £1.2 million to help 202 projects at churches and chapels around the UK.

Demand for funding from the National Churches Trust continues to grow, with 583 grant applications received in 2018, up from 473 grant applications in 2017, a 23 per cent increase.

The village church of Wendron dates back to the 13th century, but was mostly built in the 15th century. Its exterior is little altered since then and the church retains a medieval wagon roof and a 15th-century stone font.

It was refurbished in the Victoria era.

The church is on Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register because of the poor condition of the tower roof. Water has come through the roof, causing the timber below to deteriorate.

Large sections of the slate roof will be replaced and rotten wood repaired. Waterproofing features will be renewed, including faulty drains, gutters and leadwork.

The project should mean the church is removed from Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register.

There are plans to tell the story of the church’s heritage through display boards and talks from historians.

Rev David Miller, vicar of Wendron, said: “We are all extremely grateful for the wonderful and generous support provided by the National Churches Trust. Its support has made a huge difference as we have sought to reach our target figure for the essential repairs to our building.”

* A £10,000 National Churches Trust Repair Grant will help fund urgent repairs to a leaking roof and stone work at Grade II listed St Just-in-Penwith, making the church watertight and preserving its historic fabric.

The church is also on the Historic England ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.