A CENTURY old church is celebrating after being given a funding boost to install much-needed central heating.

For decades, St Georges Free Church of England in Mill Hill, Blackburn, has had to make do with electric heaters, leaving the building feeling cold.

But the church, which was built back in 1907, has been given a £12,495 funding boost from SUEZ Communities Trust.

The money will go towards installing a central heating and hot water system to replace the present electric heaters, which the church said are 'expensive and inefficient'.

Various groups use the church, including Guide and Scout Groups, with around 120 young people meeting in the church each week.

While other groups such as the book club and fellowship groups also meet and will hope to be feeling warmer soon with the winter months fast approaching.

Stuart Parker, scout leader and Church Council Member said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant from SUEZ Communities Trust.

"We have around 120 young people meeting in the Church each week along with other groups such as the book club and fellowship groups.

"The building is used almost every day and the addition of central heating will make a huge difference, especially during the winter months.

"The current electric heaters have been at the church for at least the last 40 years and prior to that there was a coal fired boiler.

"The building is very cold first thing in the morning and is only just about warm enough at the end of the day.

"This new central heating and hot water system will make a huge difference and reduce our bills."

Marek Gordon, chairman of SUEZ Communities Trust said: “SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding awards through the Landfill Communities Fund.

"This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.4 billion.

"We were delighted to be able to offer funding to St Georges Church.”