The National Churches Trust has given a total of £500,000 to 45 historic churches and chapels in the UK.

The charity said the Covid-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the finances of churches, with many unable to raise money from worshippers, visitors or from the hire of buildings.

The support package help will fund repairs, maintenance and the installation of community facilities. 

BBC broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, who is the vice president of The National Churches Trust, said:

“The UK's historic churches and chapels are a vital part of our national heritage. During the coronavirus pandemic churches have done so much to help vulnerable local people and boost morale”.

“Many churches need to carry out urgent repairs and install modern facilities to ensure their buildings can continue to be used well into the future. But the cost of this work is often far beyond what most congregations can pay for themselves and many are facing funding shortages because of the coronavirus lockdown.”

These are the second-round of grants made by the National Churches Trust in 2020. To date this year, the Trust has awarded or recommended 145 grants totalling just over £1 million.