A 10-year plan to renovate a local church has received a major boost, after being awarded a six-figure lottery grant.
St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Great Yarmouth is already four years into its renovation plan, and now, thanks to a £234,000 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), it is ready to move onto the next phase.
This next phase will focus on repairs to the outside walls and windows of the nave and chancel of the Grade II Listed building, as well as the south aisle roof.
Recently the church has been damaged by both rainwater, which has led to the collapse of ceilings in the north and south aisles, and by pigeon poo, a build up of which in the nave and chancel roof voids is causing health hazards to visitors.
The phase, estimated at a cost of £307,000, is hoped to be completed in 2018, with the aim of enhancing the interior of the building, making it more welcoming, not only to members of the religion, but visitors of all faiths.
Peter Ioannoa, church treasurer said: 'This is great news for everybody connected with St Spyridon church. The Heritage Lottery Fund has been very kind to support us and we are very grateful for that.
'When the 10-year-plan is completed the church will feel like a new building for the whole communion to use - one fit for the 21st century.'
As well as its regular services, the place of worship also hosts various activities to engage the community, including Greek language teaching, and Greek dancing lessons.
Mr Ioannoa added: 'The work that has been completed so far is looking fantastic, but it is a slow process, so this funding is fantastic news.'
The works follow renovations to the tower of the church on St Peter's Road, which were carried out in 2013.
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