VITAL repair work at two historic Dursley churches is a step closer to being completed following the awarding of more than £15,000.

St James’ and Dursley Methodist churches are amongst 20 in Gloucestershire to receive funding in the latest round of funding from Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust (GHCT).

Grants have also been awarded to support work at St Mary‘s Church in Frampton-on-Severn (£3,500), St John the Baptist Church, Kingscote (£1,000) and All Saints Church in Winterbourne Down (£250).

In total, £67,500 has been handed out by the trust to help keep church buildings in use and to help improve their facilities.

The £60,000 urgent repair project on the tower at St James’ Church will be boosted by £10,000 while at Dursley Methodist Church, £2,000 has been awarded for redecoration and work to resolve a mould problem and deteriorated windows.

“The grant will help immensely,” said Austin Meares, chairman of the Fabric Committee at St James’ Church. “Once the repairs are completed we can devote much more of our time and energy back to where it matters most – the people in our community.”

Much of the money awarded by the trust is raised through its annual GHCT Ride and Stride event, which this year raised £48,500.

Treasurer at Dursley Methodist Church, Meriel Hellen, said: “We try to be a welcoming, supportive and inclusive group, following the Methodist tradition of social care for those who need it in the community.

“The redecoration has just been completed and 45 elderly people have just enjoyed a Christmas lunch in a clean, bright environment.

“We are planning to get the window repairs done in the spring.”

GHCT chairman Nick Talbot Rice said: “Gloucestershire’s churches are rich in heritage and vital assets to the people that use them, but the cost of maintaining them can often be a burden on communities.

“We’re delighted that thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we can help so many churches in need.”

Full details of the latest grant awards and how to apply for a grant are available at ghct.org.uk.

GHCT helps churches of any Christian denomination in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and North Bristol.