The work is due to commence at the end of September and hopefully will be completed in time for the Christmas celebrations.

The chancel roof at Christ Church, which was built in 1876, has suffered damage over the years due to rainwater leakage through the roof and gutters and this was resolved when the church was re-roofed in the 1990s and the spire and surrounding walls re-pointed in 2005. The ceiling, which comprises 60 ornately stencilled panels, had also accumulated over 130 years of grime which detracted from this most important area of the church. Indeed, children from neighbouring Marwood C of E Primary school, who regularly hold assemblies in the church, had commented that at weddings "the bride and groom will think the church is a mess!!”

The Vicar of Christ Church, Revd Canon Paul Peverell, commented: “The ceiling panels contain the letters IHS – the first 3 letters of Jesus in the Greek language. When installed the ceiling must have looked magnificent and striking.”

To ensure that as many people as possible are involved in the project, photographic displays, explanatory leaflets and lectures for villagers are planned for early in 2011

Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber region, said: “This is a great project which will not only restore the beautifully ornate chancel ceiling of Christ Church, but also include a learning programme for schools and the local community. This historic building and its fascinating history will be given a new lease of life.”

“We have something of true value for the village” said treasurer Ken Taylor, who is also Project Manager for the restoration work. “The well-known church architect Temple Moor and ‘mouseman’ Thompson have both contributed to the furnishings of the chancel and, with a restored ceiling, the church will be returned to its original splendour. We are therefore delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund are supporting this important project”

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has not only revitalised hundreds of museums, parks, historic buildings, landscapes and wildlife sites, but has also given new meaning to heritage itself. People from every walk of life are now involved with the heritage that inspires them, making choices about what they want to keep and share from the past, for future generations. HLF has supported more than 33,900 projects, allocating over £4.4billion across the UK, including £351million to 2,890 projects across the Yorkshire and the Humber region alone.

Further information

Ken Taylor, Great Ayton PCC Treasurer on 01642 722 400 or ek.recess@talktalk.net