Places ofworship in Scotland, Wales and the north west of England will benefit from a £1.9m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, awarded to the National Churches Trust (NCT) to keep historic churches and chapels thriving. The three-year Cherish programme will provide churches and chapels with practical solutions to improve how their buildings are cared for and secured for the future. Financial support will be provided together with initiatives to strengthen heritage management skills and training for people who look after places of worship.

NCT say the funding will target the most critical areas improving economic and community resources, providing important benefits to places of worship and communities. This will include grants of up to £10,000 for maintenance, repairs and project development, but also expert advice and crisis support.