A CHURCH near Abergele has secured more than £10,000 to modernise its building.

St Mary’s Church, Llanfairtalhaiarn, is to share in a £611,000 funding payout from the National Churches Trust.

The £10,000 grant will enable the church to install an accessible toilet and small kitchen. Cupboard storage will installed along the west wall and some pews will be removed to create a space for the construction and also to provide a social space for both worshippers and community use.

Reverend Gwenda Cooper said: “We have such exciting plans for the church which has the potential to be developed as a real asset for our community.

"This fantastic grant from the National Churches Trust will be invaluable in furthering our goals.”

Wood from the removed pews will be used to create the screens, servery, and cupboards.

A glass door is also set to be created in the porch.

Huw Edwards, vice president of The National Churches Trust, said: “The grant will safeguard unique local heritage and help St Mary’s continue to support local people as we begin to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

A total of 67 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from the latest grants from the National Churches Trust, the charity supporting church buildings of all Christian denominations across the UK.

This is the first round of grants made by the National Churches Trust in 2021. Last year the trust awarded, or recommended on behalf of other funders, 260 grants amounting to £1.7 million.

St Mary’s Church is located on the hill above the village of Llanfairtalhaiarn, within a walled churchyard.

It is listed Grade II* for its “special historic and architectural interest as a parish church of medieval origin. It is double naved, of rubble construction with a slate roof.

A belfry topped with a gilded fish weathervane contains a 17th century bell.