St Lawrence church, Weston under Penyard is set to benefit from a £10,000 National Churches Trust Repair Grant to help fund urgent roof repairs.

St Lawrence, Weston under Penyard is a busy parish, especially in its links with the church school, who worship regularly in the church both on special Sundays and in the week. The church also has a good choir and organ and a regular band of bellringers.

The repair work will ensure a water and weathertight building and ensure its future both as a place of worship and community resource.

A total of 41 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from a £247,205 grants package from the National Churches Trust, the UK church repair and support charity.

Broadcaster and Journalist Huw Edwards, Vice-President of the National Churches Trust said: “I’m delighted that the future of St Lawrence, Weston under Penyard is being secured by a National Churches Trust grant to fund urgent repairs.”

“According to a recent ComRes opinion poll, more than four in five Britons (83%) agree that the UK’s churches, chapels and meeting houses are an important part of the UK’s heritage and history.”

“In good repair and with more use by local people and visitors, the historic building of St Lawrence church will continue to play a vital role in the life and well-being of the Weston under Penyard for many, many years to come.”

St Lawrence church is a major landmark and a building of historic significance. The building is Norman in origin, possibly built on a much earlier Saxon place of worship (there are carved Saxon heads in the porch). Carved animal heads in the church - a most unusual feature - reflect very early use of Penyard Park and Chase for hunting.

Weston is situated in a popular area for tourists, cyclists and walkers and many visit the church. A range of concerts and other events are held in the church, which also attract people who would not otherwise visit.