THE 'Cathedral of the Dales' has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Grant (HLF) of £99,500 towards essential repairs and improvements.

St Michael the Archangel Church at Kirkby Malham will use the money to continue a major programme of work.

It has just completed extensive roof repairs and the new grant will cover urgently required work to the internal plaster, which has suffered serious damage through leaking water.

The problem was exacerbated in early 2015 when thieves stripped part of the church's lead roof.

The project also includes improved heating, lighting and drainage, the installation of a disabled-friendly toilet and the reopening of a blocked door, which will make the church – the largest meeting place in Malhamdale – more comfortable and accessible.

The grant will cover 57 per cent of the anticipated cost.

Plans are at an early stage but it is hoped to go out to tender early next year, with the work being carried out in the summer.

"We always saw the roof repairs as a first step to a much larger process of making this magnificent church fit for 21st century use and able to share its rich heritage as part of its Christian mission," said the vicar, the Rev Michael Jackson. "The Heritage Lottery Fund grant helps to make this aspiration become a reality, for which we are hugely grateful."

The Parochial Church Council also wants to highlight the rich heritage of the 15th century church by sharing information on its stained glass windows, old box pews – many with carvings – early chantry chapels and other items of historical interest.

This will form the basis of widely available talks and illustrated trails around the church and churchyard for the many visitors and schools who visit Malhamdale.

"The PCC envisages that the whole project will make St Michael’s a much more comfortable place to worship, exciting to visit and an excellent venue for community use, such as talks and concerts," added Mr Jackson.

The large Grade I listed building was built in about 1490 on the site of an earlier church founded by monks from the Abbey of West Dereham in Norfolk in 1199. It is fondly known locally as the Cathedral of the Dales and is recognised as one of the outstanding churches of the Yorkshire Dales.