A church in Grange-over-Sands is set to benefit from a share of £478,110 from the National Churches Trust.

Grange Methodist Church, a Grade II listed church in Cumbria, will receive £20,000 for new and accessible kitchen facilities and toilets.

Four accessible rooms including two large meeting rooms will be created on the ground floor with an additional room on the first floor.

Local MP Tim Farron and the community have given their backing for the project.

The extension will enable the church to bolster its community support, including welcoming a charity for people living with dementia and their carers.

The Westmorland Gazette: Members of Grange Methodist Church

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "The National Churches Trust is excited to be able to support Grange Methodist Church to enable them to install a new kitchen and accessible toilets.

"This will help to keep the church open and serving local people.

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

Matthew Marries, north west support office for the National Churches Trust, said: “Once the new kitchen and toilets have been installed, and the building made accessible, the church will be an even more welcoming space for the community to enjoy."

Revd Jo Rand, minister at Grange Methodist Church, said: “We’re over the moon to be so close to our fundraising target with the support from National Churches Trust.

“We believe equality is important, but at the moment that’s not the message our building gives.

"This project means everyone will be able to come in through the same welcoming entrance, rather than having step-free access hidden away round the back by the bins, and the toilets will be easy to find, and have hot water for hand washing, and heating.”

The Grange Methodist Church is one among 43 churches benefiting from National Churches Trust's current round of grants meant to keep churches open and well-maintained.

In 2023, the trust made more than 180 grant awards to churches, with a cumulative funding of more than £2 million.