A VILLAGE church thought to be more than 800 years old will offer worshippers new facilities after it was awarded a share of a £323,000 grant.

The Grade I listed St John the Baptist Church in Mount Bures is in the middle of being extended in order to install a kitchen and toilet.

Tens of thousands of pounds have already been raised for the project and church bosses have now been handed another boost after they were awarded a £8,000 grant by the National Churches Trust.

The added cash will all go towards the revamp of the north side of the church, which will also see a disused medieval doorway reopened.

Deputy church warden John Cowlin says the extension will be one of the biggest in living memory.

He said: “I grew up in the village and I have been involved with the church for 75 years, working in many different roles.

“This is the largest development we have undertaken in that time. It is long overdue and we have held a vision for this for a number of years.

“We are overjoyed that the project is really happening.” Church secretary Christine Morgan added: “It is so important our church building is as hospitable as the church people.

“We have been so frustrated not to be able to offer refreshments or even basic facilities but those days will soon be in the past.”

A £50,000 grant passed over by Garfield Weston Foundation in November has played a key role in funding the project, which is expected to cost close to £100,000.

Work began on the extension in February and it is hoped it will be completed in the coming weeks.

Trust vice president Huw Edwards said: “The UK’s historic churches and chapels are a vital part of our national heritage.

“But to survive, many need to carry out urgent repairs and install modern facilities. The cost of this work is far beyond what most congregations can pay for themselves.”

“So I’m delighted that the church of St John the Baptist, Mount Bures, is being helped with an £8,000 National Churches Trust Grant. The work on the extension to the north side to contain necessary facilities for the first time will help to ensure the church’s future as an important community building.”