Three Bradford churches are celebrating after being awarded a share of a £30,000 grant from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT).

St James in Thornton, St Stephen’s in West Bowling, and St Stephen’s in Steeton are among 14 churches across the region who will receive the money for essential repairs, preservation and maintenance.

The grants will fund vital repairs to the roofs, windows and ancient stonework of some of Yorkshire’s most vulnerable places of worship.

Dating back to 1860, rusting ironwork and lime mortar has led to the severe decay of roof slates at St Stephen’s in West Bowling, and drainage and repairs are needed to the glazing and masonry in the south porch.

The Reverend Jimmy Hinton, vicar at St Stephen’s, which will receive £4,000 from the YHCT pot, said: “St Stephen’s is a real hub of community life and we are delighted to have received this funding. It will ensure we are able to carry out essential repairs and continue to be a welcoming place in West Bowling.”

David Quick, YHCT chairman, said: “Each of the churches we fund have shown how important they are in the local community, and it is vital that these much loved, important places of worship are preserved so they remain standing for centuries to come.”

For details on how to apply for grants, visit www.yhct.org.uk.