A Lyme Regis church undergoing restoration work is set to benefit from more than £5,000 in grant funding.

St Michael and St George RC Church on Silver Street has received two donations towards 'essential work'. Allchurches Trust has contributed £4,500 to the work, whilst Lyme Regis Town Council has given £1,000.

The funds will go towards repairs to the plasterwork, damp proof treatment and redecoration to the interior of the heritage building, which dates back to 1835.

The parish priest Fr Anthony Cockram has expressed his thanks to the trust, the town council and others who have contributed to the cost of the works.

He said: “Their support is much appreciated and has enabled us to proceed with these essential works which should be completed by the end of May.

"These works are in addition to the restoration of the exterior of the church which is due for completion around the same time.

"By June, subject to Covid regulations, we hope to be able to open this historic and beautiful church to the public restored to its former glory.”

The exterior works, carried out by Daedalus Conservation, began in January and have continued throughout the winter in spite of some wet weather, and the colour wash paint is now being applied to the rendering.

Considerable repairs have been carried out to the stonework on the roof - some of which was found to be in an extremely dangerous condition and liable to fall at any time.

The church, which looks over Lyme, held is first Mass in August 1837, two years after the foundation stone was laid.

Built in the Gothic style, the church and presbytery are Grade II* Listed which makes maintenance very expensive.

Andy Crossley is carrying out the interior repair and decorative works. Rewiring of the old electrical circuits is being undertaken by Vince Rattenbury. Both workmen are local to the area.

The church is hoping for both the external and internal works to be completed by June.

For more information on the restoration works, visit www.thecatholictpn.org