Churchgoers in Stockton Heath will benefit from a cash boost from the government aimed at helping organisations reopen and recover after lockdown.

St Thomas’ Church will receive one of 2,700 grants totalling £1.57billion from the Culture Recovery Fund.

The £19,600 award will support the full reopening and gradual resumption of the services at the church on London Road including maintenance and repairs to the historic pipe organ in the grade two listed building.

Around £400million has been awarded to cinemas, theatres and museums all over the UK in the latest round of grants.

St Thomas’ Church is a satellite distribution centre for Foodbank Warrington, it funds a youth, family and children’s worker two days a week and it is part of Stockton Heath Festival, usually hosting concerts and the art exhibition.

Churchwarden Sheila Barton said: “I am thrilled that our church has been awarded a grant and it will allow us to not only carry forward plans we had before Covid-19 – to become even more of a community hub for a village – but also to enable us to open our doors safely once more as restrictions ease.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

“Now, we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

The latest round of funding was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed.

It has been awarded by the National Lottery heritage Fund and Historic England as well as the British Film Institute and Arts Council England.