Two Norfolk churches have welcomed a financial boost in time for the new year thanks to The National Churches Trust.
St Cuthbert's in Thetford has received a grant of £20,000 while the Holy Cross in Caston has been given a boost of £15,000.
The Grade II listed church in Thetford will use the money to make the building more visitor friendly and suitable for community use. Works will include refurbishing the hall, fully equipping the catering kitchen, installing new toilets and improving internal access.
It is also hoped that removing some of the pews will create extra space for community gatherings.
Once the renovations are complete, the church is planning on establishing a community cafe and hub, which will offer jobs training, English and IT classes, a soup kitchen and a mother and toddler group.
A spokesperson for St Cuthbert's said: 'The church's aim of providing a community venue supplying training, education, health and well-being and social events has come a step nearer with this generous grant from the National Churches Trust.
'This is a key moment in our fund-raising for transforming the medieval church into a much-needed facility for the whole of Thetford.'
The Holy Cross in Caston is going to use the grant to install a new kitchen.
Currently, the church is without running water and as such is unable to hold community events.
Churchwarden Graham Penfold said the grant would be invaluable in re-integrating the 13th century church back into the community.
He said: 'Our much loved thatched church is one of the main focuses within the village and as stewards we are keen to leave the fabric in the best possible state for future generations to enjoy.
'For the first time ever, this grant will allow for a mains water supply and the provision of a kitchenette which will transform our ability to provide food and refreshments and enable us to use the church for a much wider range of events such as concerts and other social activities for the benefit of the whole community.'
The churches are two of 93 churches and chapels across England, Wales and Scotland to benefit from £680,230 of rescue funding from the National Churches Trust.
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