PLACES of worship across North Cumbria have received a share of up to £42 million in public funding ahead of this year’s festive celebrations. 

As more than one million people are expected to attend Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services, they might be attending one of the 4,900 places of worship that have benefited from government support over the last year to ease the cost of essential conservation and maintenance work. 

Since 2010, the Places of Worship Fund has invested £346 million in listed churches, synagogues, mosques and temples.

The fund provides grants towards the VAT incurred on eligible costs, such as works to the roofs, masonry and monuments integral to the buildings.  

Full list of funding beneficiaries across North Cumbria:

Carlisle 

  • St Aidan's with Christ Church, £202.54
  • St Cuthbert's Church £625.56
  • St George's United Reformed Church £1,645.49
  • All Saints Scotby Church £9,414.61
  • Armathwaite Christ & St Mary £1,170.00
  • St. Kentigerns  Irthington £4,550.00
  • St Cuthberts Bewcastle £5,655.20

Workington 

  • St John the Evangelist £8,905.80
  • Our Lady Star of the Sea & St Michael £22,386.29
  • St Michaels Church £4,358.72

Whitehaven 

  • St James Church £7,904.62

Cockermouth

  • Church of St Bride £873.04
  • All Saints Church £2,431.03

Keswick 

  • Church of Saint Kentigern £4,346.00

Brampton 

  • St Thomas A Beckett Church £2,009.97

Wigton

  • St Mary, Holme Cultram Abbey £7,388.47
  • St Marys Church £484.10

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson said: “As churches across the country fill up for Nativity plays and Christmas services, it’s a reminder of the huge role that they and other places of worship play in the lives of their community.

“The Listed Places of Worship Scheme supports these precious buildings, which are cherished by people of all faiths and none.

“With nearly 5,000 supported over the past year alone, I’m glad to see the difference it has made to visitors, worshippers, and the people who look after them for the benefit of future generations.”

More details about the eligibility for the scheme, and details of how to apply, can be found at www.listed-places-of-worship-grant.dcms.gov.uk