THE roof of a Newport church should be ready just in time for Christmas.

Last year, St Mary’s Church, in Malpas Road, was awarded a grant of £110,000 from the Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund to carry out works on its 140-years-old roof.

Chris Pennant, who has been one of the church wardens for 16 years, said they were told in June last year that the grant application had been successful, when they started to look at plans with architects.

He said they had applied for the grant the previous year but weren’t successful.

The church warden said: “The grant was for £110,000, which covered part of the work. The total cost of the work, including architect fees, was £180,000.

“We raised the rest of the money from within the church and from other smaller grants.

“The grant was a huge help, we couldn’t have done it without it.”

Mr Pennant said work began in October and that they still have people working on the roof, but that they hope it will be finished by Christmas.

He said the entire slate roof of the nave and chancel has now been replaced in keeping with the original structure, together with some repairs to the timbers.

They are also doing work in the masonry.

“The church has remained open during this time, but there has been scaffolding up,” he added. “The roof was 140-years-old and rain was starting to come in, dripping on people and their electric keyboard.

“I will be very pleased when the work is finished. It has taken a long time to organise the finance and the rest.”

Mr Pennant said the church was rebuilt in 1850, in an “unusual” neo-Norman style.

It contains memorials to notable engineers who established in Newport the world’s largest nail factory and designed and constructed the truck hoists used in Newport docks for the coal export trade.

He said: “At the same time the church is small and homely, and it continues to house a number of thriving congregations.”

Revd Rebecca Stevens said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support from the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund.

“St Mary’s has been meeting the needs of Malpas people for more than 150 years, and it is so good to know that the building will now be in good shape for many years to come.”