They have been awarded a grant of £24,000 towards the restoration of their historic organ, which has served the church for nearly a century. Research indicates the organ predates the 1895 church.

Much work is required to restore worn mechanisms and pipes that have ceased to work.

The award of the grant, combined with over £18,000 already donated to the appeal, means the work can now go ahead with projected completion of this refurbishment by Easter next year. Quotations were obtained prior to the award and it is planned to meet with the chosen restorer to agree details by the end of the month.

The project includes community information and educational works to help people to learn about their own and other people's heritage. Organ open days are planned, so look out for the opportunity to come and play a church organ and see how it works. If you cannot make it to an open day then get hold of one of the educational DVDs which are to be produced.

Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This project will help to rejuvenate Holy Family Church and its organ, bringing it back into use and giving a new lease of life to its fascinating history.

"Thanks to Heritage Lottery support Holy Family will be once again have a fully functioning organ, part of the heritage of the Wortley and Armley area of Leeds. This will be an enhancement to the parish in praising God and an interesting and beautiful legacy for the benefit of future generations."

Further information

Details of the organ can be viewed on the National Pipe Organ Register website - organ RO1657.

Chris Redding (Project Co-ordinator) phone: 07815 681 343, email: chrisred@freeuk.com or Rev Francis McGrath on 01132 637 484.