TWO historic churches have been awarded grants worth a total of almost £440,000 to carry out urgently needed repairs.

St Helens Parish Church and Holy Trinity Church, Parr Mount, are among five within the North West to share in a £1.1m windfall from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The cash will fund vital repair work, help upgrade facilities and make the churches more suitable for wider community use.

Holy Trinity Church, Parr Mount, is a Grade II listed church built entirely of industrial waste.

Eight years ago the Victorian Society pleaded for its rescue after suggestions that its construction impeded repairs and it ought to be replaced with a community centre. It has been awarded £239,400 for major repairs and improvements to its facilities.

The town centre Parish Church is to receive £200,400 towards a 15 month programme of urgent high level repairs and to upgrade the heating system.

The landmark, Grade II* listed, brick building was designed by architect WD Caroe and built between 1916-1926.

Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West, said: “Places of worship are among the UK’s most historic buildings, with fascinating stories behind them. This money will pay for urgent repairs and also help tell the stories of these special places to visitors. As a result the buildings themselves will be more used by the whole community, and properly cared for into the future.”