The funding will allow vital repair works to be carried out to five churches in Norfolk and one in Suffolk. The work will include the restoration of historic features such as the Saxon round towers of St Andrew’s Church, Norfolk and repair work to the 18th-century plaster ceiling of Holy Innocents Church in Foulsham, Norfolk.

[quote=Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England]“This money will restore historic features and help bring these special places alive for visitors.”[/quote]

The six Grade I and II listed churches are:

• St Andrew, East Lexham, Norfolk
• St Mary, Yelverton, Norfolk
• Holy Innocents, Foulsham, Norfolk
• St Ethelbert’s, Alby, North Norfolk
• Saint Peter and St Paul, Oulton, Norfolk
• St Mary, Newmarket, Suffolk

All the churches are in need of urgent repair and restoration work – some as a result of bad weather damage over many years. In the case of St Mary’s Church, Yelverton, the churchyard around one of the towers has been cordoned off for 15 years.

The improvement works will mean that many more people will be able to access and use the buildings. Each church has set out their plan for engaging their local community and encouraging more people to explore these historic buildings.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “This money will restore historic features and help bring these special places alive for visitors.”