A SOUTH Wight church has received an Easter gift in the form of £15,000.

Chale Church will receive the Cornerstone Grant from the National Churches Trust and the funds will help the installation of toilet facilities and a new kitchen at the Grade II* listed St Andrew's Church.

Huw Edwards, vice president on the National Churches Trust, said: "The UK's historic churches and chapels are a vital part of our national heritage.

"But to survive, many need to carry out urgent repairs and install modern facilities. The cost of this work is far beyond what most congregations can pay for themselves."

Mr Edwards said he was delighted the church was being helped with the grant as the installation would help ensure the church's future as an important community building.

A total of 34 churches and chapels in the UK will benefit from the grants.

Mr Sven Tester and Mrs Lesley Sprake, churchwardens at Chale, said: "We have been fundraising for the past five years for this project and have had great local support and some generous grants from our Diocese and charities.

"The grant from the National Churches Trust has transformed our finances, and is a huge help in pushing our plans forward. It enables us to start building work so our congregation and friends can soon see their efforts for our wonderful parish church come to fruition."