TWO churches in Cleveland have received grants totalling £84,294 to help improve facilities and access.

Great Ayton Methodist Church and Guisborough Methodist Church have been given the cash by Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund that utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.

The main works at the Great Ayton church are to improve access for the disabled, elderly and very young members of user groups.

The building sits on the top of a steeply sloping site and has a number of level changes inside.

The Biffaward grant of £51,020 will pay for disabled access, including ramps, lifts and landscaping.

Guisborough Methodist Church used its £33,274 grant to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and health and safety legislation.

The work included installing a disabled toilet and relocating the kitchen to allow easier access.

The church is used by the wider community for activities ranging from toddler groups, pensioners' groups and police community meetings to fundraising events and school activities.

Both grants were awarded via trustees for Methodist Church Purposes and included contributions from the churches' congregations. Under Government regulations only 90pc of a grant can be provided from landfill tax - the remaining 10pc must come from another source.

The Rev Kathleen Bowe, of Guisborough Methodist Church, said: "The award not only enables this project to be undertaken, but also provides encouragement to those responsible for raising the remaining funds."

David Sillo, of Great Ayton Methodist Church, said: "The award will enable the project to be completed as projected and not on a reduced scale."

Martin Bettington, chairman of Biffaward, said: "These two churches are both valuable resources for their local communities, providing venues for a wide range of activities. Biffaward is pleased to be able to help fund both projects that will ensure the buildings can continue to serve the community for many years to come."