One of the Harborough district's historic hidden gems gets a good turn of fortune after previously being targeted by criminals

Almost £25,000 has been awarded to an historic village church in the Harborough district as part of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and Heritage stimulus package.

In the first round of heritage awards distributed by Historic England, £24,800 has been handed to the 13th century Grade-II listed St Thomas’s Church in Catthorpe.

The boost comes after the much-loved 800-year-old church has been hit by thieves over the last few years.

The roof lead has been plundered while a precious medieval chalice and the church record books have also been pinched.

South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa said: “This award from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund is hugely welcome for St Thomas’s Church in Catthorpe.

“One of Leicestershire’s hidden gems, the church’s rich and proud history can be traced all the way back to the 13th century.

“However, like many other heritage sites across the country it has been facing some tremendous financial difficulties of late.

“This, coupled with a rotten run of luck, in having their roof lead stolen and then being burgled, means that this grant could not have come at a better time to help preserve one of the constituency’s most valued churches.”

Rebecca Bowen, church secretary for St Thomas’s, said: “With the money the beautiful stained-glass window which the sun shines through at sunset will be temporarily removed to allow for the stone window frame to be completely rebuilt.

“The crumbling foundation stones will be repaired or replaced.

“And the rainwater drainage system will be completely rebuilt to allow the church to dry out and not sit surrounded by waterlogged ground.”

She added: “Having this grant will mean we can fundraise to renovate the interior and bring it back to its original state exposing the limestone walls.

“Our church is not just a religious building – it’s where we meet for social functions, coffee mornings, village produce shows and our monthly ‘bake-off’ challenge.”

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough councillor for Catthorpe, said: “Sadly St Thomas’s has suffered from thefts and other crimes.

“However, this new funding from the Government will be greatly appreciated and will allow the church to continue its important work within Catthorpe village and the surrounding parish.”

MP Alberto added: “The pandemic is causing considerable problems for our wonderful heritage sites.

“But I am very pleased that both the Government and Historic England have stepped in to provide much-needed support to these valued institutions where needed.

“Churches like St Thomas’s provide much more than a place of worship.

“They are often the focal point for communities and it’s of crucial importance these sites have all the support they need.

“The grant funding here will be a huge help toward the costs of maintaining the church for many years to come.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers and everyone involved with St Thomas’s in Catthorpe.”