THE future of a 140-year-old church in Ullenhall, near Redditch, has been saved thanks to £142,000 cash boost.

The congregation from the Victorian grade II listed building St Mary the Virgin Church are celebrating after learning that they have been awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the cost of urgent roof repairs.

The total project will cost £220,000 and includes repairs to the church clock which hasn't worked for more than 20 years and the building of a much needed kitchen and toilet block.

The Rev John Ganjavi said that he was delighted with the news and work has already started on the roof.

"Like most old buildings the fabric of our lovely church needs constant attention but the roof area has been a major concern," he said.

"Many of the tiles are damaged or have fallen off and chunks of masonry are starting to crumble which represents a real danger to church visitors as well as exposing the rest of the church to the elements.

"We are a small community and although we have been working hard to raise funds we would not have been able to start the project for some time without the help and support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and any significant delays would have put the future of our lovely church into question.

The Rev added: "As a bonus we are also having the church clock repaired and installing a kitchen and toilet block which means once all the work is completed we will be able to make much more use of the building and the church can once again resume its position as the centre of village life."

Work on the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In the meantime church services are being held in Ullenhall old chapel.