TWO cathedrals and 21 churches in Wales will be able to carry out urgent repairs to their roofs thanks to a Government grant.

Nearly £1.4 million was awarded to Church in Wales parishes in the first round of awards from the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund.

Christ Church in Ebbw Vale and Newport Cathedral were each awarded more than £90,000. The money will allow them to carry out urgent repairs to their roofs, gutters and drains.

Meanwhile, churches which were not successful in applying for the grants are being urged to try again as a further £25 million has since been allocated to the fund and will be handed out later this year.

Alex Glanville, head of property services for the Church in Wales, said: "We are delighted our churches and cathedrals will benefit from this roof repair fund. This will make an enormous difference to each of these places of worship in ensuring a sound roof over the vast array of community activities being undertaken in these buildings.

“It is also very positive news that the Government has allocated a further £25 million to the scheme. I urge listed churches in need of urgent roof work to apply again when the new scheme is announced. We hope the Government will continue with it in future years as there is much work still needed to be undertaken to preserve our nation’s heritage and community places of worship.”

Team Vicar at Christ Church in Ebbw Vale, the Revd Geoff Waggett said: "This is absolutely brilliant news - we got exactly what we applied for and it will help secure the future of this important building which is a community landmark.

"Ebbw Vale gets more than its fair share of wind and rain and we have had ongoing problems with damp, particularly on the south-east side of the building. We are very excited and look forward now to planning the work.”

A grant of £65,600 will enable the congregation of St Mary’s Church in Panteg in Monmouthshire to repair the leaking flashings so that the interior walls can be re-limewashed.

Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Nicholas Taylor, said: "St Mary’s is a much loved and picturesque rural church which dates back to Medieval times. This money will help us keep it up to scratch for future generations.”