LOOKING around Huddersfield it’s quite staggering how many churches remain.

These buildings are part of the very fabric of our society despite many suffering from dwindling congregations.

Even if people are not regular worshippers they still turn to the church at the most momentous occasions in their lives such as christenings, weddings and funerals.

It’s heartening that large lottery funds have been allocated to three churches on our patch – Huddersfield Parish, St John’s in Birkby and St Michael the Archangel in Emley – for vital repairs.

But so many others need that lifeline too and that’s where the local communities need to rally round. If they have an appeal going, support it in any way you can.

They are, after all, some of the most amazing works of architecture you’re likely to see and we can’t afford to let them drift into total decay.