VILLAGERS have won funding to repair a church roof and to develop an education resource and bring to light the history of the ancient religious site.

The £102,600 Heritage Lottery grant is to repair and restore two of the main slopes of the roof of St Mary's at Embsay with Eastby, carry out work on the tower and develop the church and churchyard as a community resource.

It will mark the first major work on the building since it was completed in 1853 close to a much older monastic site.

Peter Edwards, secretary of the Parochial Church Council, said: "Structural work on roofs and drainage at St Mary’s is urgently needed as the original roof is reaching the end of its life after 161 years and is causing internal damage to the structure of the church.

"The project, A Roof for our Future, also includes work with the local community to enhance access to the church heritage.

"The grant will assist the church’s collaboration with teachers from Embsay Primary School over the production of lesson plans and resources.

"In addition, it will help a group from the church, who are working with the Embsay with Eastby Research Group, to produce a new booklet, information boards and web pages to inform those interested in the history of the site."

The church stands near a much older monastic site which was in existence by 1120, as shown by an existing foundation charter, and was dissolved in 1546, Mr Edwards explained.

The present church was completed in 1853 when the growth of textile mills in the village swelled the population.

"The church today continues that tradition of worship and has a wide range of community roles which will be able to develop further with the assistance of this HLF grant," he added.

Vicar, the Rev Louise Taylor-Kenyon said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support for repair.

"One hundred and sixty one years ago the church was built with money given by the community, and since then it has been an essential part of the two villages."