HISTORIC St Mark’s Church, Friday Bridge, is to get a �98,000 lottery grant for vital repairs.

The award was part of a �250,000 package of grants to four East Anglian churches through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF for the East of England, said: “Historic places of worship are an irreplaceable part of the East of England’s heritage and sit at the very heart of our local communities.

“Both the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage are delighted that in these difficult times, these vital repairs can still be done, ensuring these wonderful places are secured for future generations.”

St Mark’s was built in 1886 by the architect J B Owen to serve the isolated agricultural community in Fenland. The Victorian Gothic church needs re-roofing on parts of the chancel, vestry, nave and porch.

Rainwater guttering around the building also needs repairing.

Throughout the country 67 Grade II listed churches, chapels and synagogues are sharing an �8 million grant from the lottery fund.