St. Issell’s Church in Saundersfoot has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the essential works to the church, it has been announced.

The project aims to make safe and usable the tower, the main church entrance and the north-west face.

Development funding of £9,400 has also been awarded to help St. Issell’s Church progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

St. Issell’s Church is a beautiful and well-loved Grade II listed building with Celtic origins.

A church has existed on this site for 1500 years and indeed is mentioned in the Taxation of 1291 and is called ‘Ecclesia de Sancto Usello’.

Commenting on the award, Rev. Marianne Osborne said: “St. Issell’s Church has been a pillar of our community for many hundreds of years, spiritually supporting and nourishing locally God’s children.

“Our church family at St. Issell’s are very excited! It’s wonderful news that we have been accepted by the HLF for a grant to help maintain and repair parts of our beautiful and historic church building.

“It is also comforting to know that steps are being taken to ensure that our worshipping community will be here for future generations of Saundersfoot people and visitors alike.

“I think it is important for our community to realise that the gift of this grant is just the tip of the iceberg in the work that St. Issell’s needs to keep up and running and if anyone is interested in helping us continue to fundraise, hands on help would be gratefully received as would any financial donations.

“Find us on Facebook to keep up to date with news and repairs.

“There is a button to click if you would like to donate or pop up to the vicarage for a cuppa and a chat if you feel you could help,” she added.

Mr. Richard Bellamy, head of HLF Wales, said: “Historic places of worship form prominent and much-loved landmarks in our villages, towns and cities.

“They are unique buildings that bring local communities together for a variety of reasons, from worship through to culture and leisure.

“St. Issell’s Church project clearly shows how local heritage can be a catalyst for lots of different activities uniting people behind a common purpose.”