A CHURCH in Ilminster has been able to install a new boiler and turn the heating back on with the help of a Government grant.

The Minster has recently received £4,005.28 as part of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme which will enable the church to claim back VAT for the new electric boiler.

Revd Jo Stobart said there was no heating at the church last winter.

Nearly 5,000 religious buildings in the United Kingdom have received a share of up to £42 million as part of a grant that supports the protection of religious buildings.

The Revd also said: “With the grant, we will be able to claim back VAT for the new boiler.

“Other than these grants, we do not get any kind of funding.

“All of this is very, very welcome.

“We had a gas boiler which broke down, but we were looking for a greener solution and the best way to do so was to install an electric boiler.

“People think the church is rolling in cash, but in Ilminster, only 48 people fund the church.

“We’re going to have to explore different ways of funding.”

Two other churches in Ilminster received a share of the grant.

St Michael’s Church received £537,76, and St Mary Magdalene Church received £298,73.

The Minster would also like to thank the Gooch Trust for their contribution and help.

Since 2010, the Government has returned £346 million to listed churches, synagogues, mosques and temples.

Nearly 5,000 religious buildings in the United Kingdom have received a share of up to £42 million in public funding ahead of this year’s festive celebrations, as the Government continues its support for the conservation of listed places of worship across the country.

The cash boost came as more than a million people across the country were expected to attend Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services in their local churches.