St Mary the Virgin dates back to around 1150

Bellringing at a historic Sheffield church could be forced to stop as water damage takes hold of its tower.

St Mary the Virgin in Beighton, which dates back to around 1150, is in urgent need of repairs after its tower roof began allowing water into the building.

The ceiling, walls and floors of the bellringing chamber and vestry have been affected, with concerns growing about the condition of the rooms and the safety of people using them.

There are also fears the church’s six bells could be damaged beyond repair if work is not carried out.

The repairs are said to be estimated at a cost of £90,000, by Ken Whetter, grants officer at St Mary’s church.

A £15,000 grant has already been awarded to help fund urgent repairs to the tower roof on the recommendation of the National Churches Trust.

The Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant has been awarded by the Wolfson Foundation, as part of more than £750,000 being given to churches across the UK.

The work will include replacing the lead roof and making changes to improve the way rainwater runs away from the building.

A secondary timber deck will also be installed to improve ventilation and reduce the risk of damp, while the roof pitch will be made steeper to improve water run-off.

Ken Whetter, Grants Officer at St Mary’s church, said: "We knew a little while ago that the church tower’s roof was badly in need of repair and that it would cost over £90,000 to make it safe and waterproof.

“This amount far exceeded our regular income and we could only hope to afford these repairs by obtaining several grants.

“This award is the largest of these grants and will now allow us to carry out the repairs before more rain damage to the historic rooms beneath the tower. "

"Our church building is over 850 years old and is cherished by the community for its heritage and its beauty. As well as a spiritual centre, it serves the local population as a venue for community events and activities and as a base for voluntary and charity work.

“These community activities may not have continued unless the roof repairs were done. This grant will ensure that St Mary’s can continue to serve our community and will preserve the building for future generations. "