A 500-YEAR-OLD church is set for a £150,000 renovation to keep it at the heart of the town.

St Bartholomew's Church in Great Harwood has received £117,700 of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve 'hazards' at the church, such as its roof.

The church has also raised around £30,000 itself over the past three years with its 'Raise the Roof – Rebuild, Repair, Renew’ campaign, which will also be used on repairs.

The money will also be used to level the flooring of the church and install a ramp to improve disabled access.

The listed Grade II* building in Church Lane, which dates back to around the 15th century, will be closed for part of the time when work takes place.

Project leader David Harrison said: “The roof has been a major cause for concern for some considerable time and this has included raining in and slates falling off the roof.

"The internal alterations will remove potential hazards such as steps within the church and make it safer and more accessible to a greater number of people."

The church has been looking to improve its roof for several years and has raised money with a number of social events in the community.

Approximately 120 use the church for Sunday service and more use it for baptisms and weddings.

Vicar the Revd Colin Penfold said: "We are all absolutely delighted to have received the grant which, in addition to the £30,000 we have raised, will allow us to repair the roof and carry out interior improvements."

A small number of pews at the back will also be removed to create additional space enabling the church to be used for more community activities.

It is expected that work will start within the next two months and be completed during autumn, enabling the building to re-open in time for Christmas.

Church staff also hope to open the church for longer hours and host more events once it reopens.

Mr Harrison said: "The church has been at the centre of the town’s heritage for over half a millennium and it’s great feeling to know that we are now a step closer to preserving it for another century."

The church will also be taking the opportunity to update their website to include additional details of the church’s varied history.

An educational programme is planned, which it is hoped will encourage more schools to visit the church.

Details of when the church will be closed for work will be announced in the next two weeks.