URGENT roof repairs are to take place at dozens of parish churches after Government funding was announced for the work.

A total of 48 places of worship from a variety of denominations across the North-east and the Yorkshire and Humber regions are to share a pot of almost £2.5m for repairs.

Today, George Osborne announced the first round of funding through the Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund, launched by the Chancellor in last year’s Autumn Statement.

The funding will help make more than 500 churches across the UK weathertight, safe and open for use.

In County Durham, the churches receiving grants are £100,000 for St Peter’s Parish Church, in Bishopton; £51,400 for Christ Church, in Consett; £46,600 for St Mary Magdalene, Trimdon; £31,600 for St Mary’s, Barnard Castle and £11,900 for St Mary Magdalene, in Belmont, Durham.

Among the North Yorkshire churches to be given grants are the Abbey Church of St Laurence, at Ampleforth Abbey, which receives £100,000; the Church of St Gregory, in Bedale, which received £96,600; the Church of St Michael and All Angels, in Thirsk, which receives £79,700; and St Cuthbert with St. Mary's Church, in Barton, which is awarded £19,900.