A CHURCH which is currently undergoing a transformation has received a £10,000 boost.

Malton Methodist Church in Saville Street has been awarded the grant by the National Churches Trust to help fund urgent roof repairs.

The repair work is part of a larger plan of improvements, which will turn the currently-closed church into an open community venue, as well as a place of worship.

Paul Emberley, a spokesman for the church, said: “This is a very welcome grant towards the cost of the roof repair, and we’re hugely grateful to the National Churches Trust.

“Repairing the roof is our first priority, as we seek approval to make significant changes to our historic building, re-purposing it as an important concert venue, a meeting place open every day for all the community to use, and as a place of worship.

“We’ve made good progress towards this aim in recent weeks.”

The Grade-II listed church, designed around the square auditory format by the itinerant Methodist Minister and architect, William Jenkins, opened in 1811.

It is one of the oldest Methodist chapels in the country, has been carefully preserved and maintained by eight generations of Methodists for more than 200 years.

A total of 41 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from a £247,205 grants package from the National Churches Trust, the UK church repair and support charity.

BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, vice-president of the National Churches Trust said: “I’m delighted that a National Churches Trust grant is helping to secure the future of Malton Methodist Church through its contribution towards the cost of urgent repairs.

“According to a recent ComRes opinion poll, more than four in five Britons agree that the UK’s churches, chapels and meeting houses are an important part of the UK’s heritage and history.

“In good repair and with increased use by local people, Malton Methodist Church will continue to play a vital role in the life and well-being of the area for many, many years to come.”