IT is a well-known landmark in the centre of Huddersfield.

Now vital funds to secure the future of the historic St Peter’s Church have come from English Heritage.

The national body has awarded £155,000 to Huddersfield’s Parish Church.

Now church officials and members have to raise many thousands to match the grant.

The significant award from English Heritage will enable essential repairs to be undertaken that will secure the building for future use by the congregation and the community at large.

And the money has been welcomed by the Vicar of Huddersfield, the Rev Canon Simon Moor, who took up the post last year.

“A great deal of work has been undertaken to secure this next phase of restoration work to the fabric of St Peter’s.

“English Heritage have shown faith in continuing to support the vision of the church and community of Huddersfield to preserve the Parish Church for future generations.”

The repairs, which are to commence in April, include major work on the clergy and choir vestries. Both areas have had massive problems with leaks in heavy rain.

There will also be essential repairs to the stone tracery of the east window, a notable example of work by the renowned stained glass designer William Comper.

Other stonework at the east and south east end of the church will also be repaired.

Church officials also hope to commission repairs to glazing throughout the church, making both stained glass and other windows water tight.

A long-awaited restoration of the main steps at the west end is also to take place.

St Peter’s has the reputation of being the Civic Church for the area. It is open daily and as well as being a place of Christian worship, and the home of a Christian congregation, the church is a spiritual and civic resource to the Huddersfield district and its inhabitants – to people of all faiths and of none.

Canon Moor said: “In recent years there has been great support with funding the restoration of the roof, tower and ceilings.

“But we still have a great deal of work to undertake in finding funding to match the generous grant from English Heritage.”

Up-to-date details of fundraising and progress can be found at:

www.huddersfieldparishcurch.com