CHURCH leaders have spoken of their delight after learning they will receive grants ranging from £32,000 to £100,000 to carry out urgent roof repairs.

Four churches in Ryedale, North Yorkshire, including St Peter and St Paul Church, in Pickering, St Michael’s and St Mary’s and Ampleforth Abbey Church of St Laurence will receive a share of the Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund money.

The Reverend Fr Antony Pritchett, of St Peter and St Paul Church, said he was thrilled the church had been awarded £43,100 in the Government scheme.

He said: “This is just brilliant news and we couldn’t be happier.

“The church has been so well looked after, but one thing we knew would need doing is the church’s north transept roof.

"It will be a big job because all the lead will need replacing but we are so pleased that we will now hopefully be able to do it.”

Fr Antony estimated the work would cost more than the grant, but said that the church would contribute towards the cost.

St Michael’s in Malton was awarded £38,100 while St Mary’s in Old Malton was given a grant of £32,500 to carry out vital repairs.

Ampleforth Abbey Church of St Laurence received a £100,000 grant to carry out extensive repairs.

The scheme will reopen for 2016 applicants later this year.