A TWELFTH century church at risk of serious permanent damage has received more than £14,000 worth of Heritage Lottery funding to help replace a leaking roof.

St Leonard’s Church, in Thornton-le-Street, near Thirsk was recently added to Historic England’s At Risk register as it was in danger of permanent damage if left to decay any longer.

The first round of surveys and reports has now been completed for the work to begin on the re-roofing and other work at St. Leonard’s Church Thornton-le Street, Thirsk. The work is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund after a successful application last year.

Development funding of £14,200 has been awarded to help progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

The church is a Grade II-listed building and the oldest parts are believed to have been built in the 12th century with modifications in the 14th and 19th centuries.

One of its main features is a spectacular stained glass window by Charles Kempe; a famous Victorian stained glass designer and manufacturer. Part of the building project will be to clean and restore the glazing in the church as well as restoring some of the stonework.

Work is also progressing to research and catalogue some of the many artefacts in the church and gravestone inscriptions with a view to further research into the history of the church and the history of the village and surrounding area.

The local community has been involved in a lot of the other fundraising and future events have already been planned for the church, including a Japanese-based craft workshop and other workshops involving stained glass.

Isabel Hunter, who has been involved in the community project, said: “The church is a focal point of the village and for a small community has a great deal of support.

“There are many fantastic features which would be lost if the building was to fall into disrepair.

“We are quite excited about bring the history of the church and the village back to life and it’s great to know that we are a step closer to preserving our church for another century.”

Progress boards have been put up in the village hall and St Leonard’s Church so people can track the restoration work and see the scale of the planned restoration. Photobooks are also to be produced to record the events.

The project organisers would like to hear from anyone who may have some interesting facts to add to the church literature. To help, or for more information on the project, contact Jacqueline Lee on 01845-574883 for further information.