A church in Abingdon is 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive funds from the government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the pandemic.

The 445 heritage sites will share £103 million of the fund.

St Helen's Church, on West St Helen Street, will receive £20,000 to help fix the ceilings and the two aisles.

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The funds are being given to help restart construction and maintenance on' cherished heritage sites' to preserve visitor attractions and protect livelihoods.

The Revd. Dr. Charles Miller, Rector of St. Helen’s said: "Ancient churches like St Helen’s are both a gift and a burden.

"Inspiring gothic architecture which raises the eyes as well as the spirit were not designed with maintenance and repair needs in mind.

"So ceiling repairs become major logistical and financial operations. Without support from the Culture Recovery Fund we would be hard-pressed to get it done, so we’re enormously grateful!

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"Intimately connected to the story of Abingdon’s development, the Church of St Helen has been evolving for over a thousand years, with each new generation making its mark and the result is a five-aisled building, wider than it is long.

"The church is Grade I listed and its Lady Chapel painted ceiling is considered a national treasure. The grant will help us maintain this beautiful place of worship.

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"The normal wide range of services and community activities is restricted by Covid-19 regulations, but we hope that the repaired church will be ready for at least some Christmas services."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.

"This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce back post Covid."