Parishioners are celebrating funding which will help to raise the roof at their village church.

Eastern Daily Press: All Saints Church in Beighton which has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the re-thatching and internal improvements project. Revd Martin Greenland with church treasurer and fabric officer Kate Ashcroft.Picture: James BassAll Saints Church in Beighton which has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the re-thatching and internal improvements project. Revd Martin Greenland with church treasurer and fabric officer Kate Ashcroft.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2016)

All Saints Church in Beighton has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the re-thatching and internal improvements project.

The project aims to start next spring and finish early in the summer of that year and will ensure the building is wind and water-tight and fit for future generations to enjoy.

Development funding of £17,000 has also been awarded to help the church council for All Saints progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

Kate Ashcroft from All Saints Parochial Church Council said: 'We're delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.

Eastern Daily Press: All Saints Church in Beighton which has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the re-thatching and internal improvements project. Revd Martin Greenland with church treasurer and fabric officer Kate Ashcroft.Picture: James BassAll Saints Church in Beighton which has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the re-thatching and internal improvements project. Revd Martin Greenland with church treasurer and fabric officer Kate Ashcroft.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2016)

'The church has given the village a place for worship for seven centuries, and more recently live entertainment, and it's great to know that we are a step closer to preserving and improving it for future generations.'

The project will replace the dilapidated nave-roof thatch, repair and reglaze the high level windows, and repair and redecorate the north and south aisle interior walls.

In addition, a mains water supply will be laid on enabling a wheelchair accessible lavatory and galley kitchen to be installed.

All Saints was built in the 14th Century, possibly on the site of an earlier version on the edge of a common, as mentioned in the Doomsday Survey, and has been developed over the centuries most notably with the reinstatement of the north aisle and raising the height of the tower in the mid-late 19th Century and the addition of the fine Victorian carving and glazing inside.

Eastern Daily Press: All Saints Church in Beighton which has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the re-thatching and internal improvements project. Revd Martin Greenland with church treasurer and fabric officer Kate Ashcroft.Picture: James BassAll Saints Church in Beighton which has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the re-thatching and internal improvements project. Revd Martin Greenland with church treasurer and fabric officer Kate Ashcroft.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2016)