LISTED places of worship in need of urgent roof repairs can apply to a multi-million pound grants pot.

The Government-funded £15million Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund was created to address urgent repairs to ensure their historic buildings are weather tight, safe and open for use.

Congregations across the region of all faiths and denominations have until noon on January 30, 2015, to apply to the fund and decisions will be announced in March.

Grants of £10,000 to £100,000 can meet the costs of urgent repairs to roofs and rainwater disposal systems with some funds also available for structural investigations, specialist reports and bat surveys.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our places of worship are wonderful examples of our heritage that we’re proud to invest in.

“This fund will help conserve and maintain these historic buildings so they can continue to play a vital role in the communities they serve, for years to come.”

The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, lead bishop for cathedrals and church buildings, said: “This will make a real and lasting difference to parishes that are awarded grants.

“A secure roof can last 100 years and will prevent gradual, and ultimately costly, decay of fabric.

It will keep these important buildings warm and secure, allowing them to remain open and welcoming for both worship and wider community use.

“This fund will particularly provide relief for those parishes that are resource-poor, allowing them to focus their attention on growing their ministry and engaging with local people.”

Visit the website lpowroof.org.uk for details.