ASHFORD Carbonel Church near Ludlow has received nearly £80,000 for vital roof repairs.

The Parochial Church Council has received a confirmed grant of up to £73,000 towards restoring the roofs of St Mary Magdalene Church.

It aims to restore the north slope of the nave roof and both slopes of the porch roof, using Herefordshire stone tiles.

The actual roof restoration will not start until April 2017 in order to allow six months for the weathering of the Herefordshire stone tiles before the build and also ensuring that the winter bat roost is not disturbed.

In addition, a number of community and heritage activities will be held this year, including a 12 hour non-stop Entertainathon, strawberry tea event, and local, historical talks.

A series of illustrated leaflets and postcards will also be produced, providing information about the church and its history.

St Mary Magdalene is a small, largely Norman church with 13th and 15th century additions and many interesting features.

It is used by the local community of all ages for worship, heritage and social events.

“Restoration of the roof will conserve an otherwise sound and valued historical building so that it can continue to serve the village, parish and wider community into the future,” said Peter Stretton, the church warden.