A STOKE Prior church is set to be taken off Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register after undergoing a huge restoration project.  

St Michael and All Angels Church on Fish House Lane was placed on the register, which identifies sites most at risk of being lost, in 2016.

Since then, the grade I listed church has received a host of improvement and restoration works thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers.

The Tower Friends was formed in 2015 after cracks were noticed in the tower.

Gray Stokes, project manager of the restoration project said: “In September 2015, Rev Beynon called a meeting to address the issues of the tower and the Tower Friends were formed. The group started to raise funds.”  

In 2019/20 repairs were completed to the chancel with support from the church commissioner.

By July 2021 all repair works were complete thanks to donations from charities and local businesses and a significant grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Mr Stokes added: “The final cost of the project was £750,000.

“We received donations came from LG Harris Trust, Jerroms Accountants, and Excool to name a few.

“We did a number of internal works, and a new footpath was built to comply with the equalities act.

“Anyone who is disabled or is pushing a pushchair can now access the church easily with improved access such as automatic doors.

“During the course of fundraising, the friends hosted several events such as a summer ball in the church, a male voice choir at Worcester cathedral and a night with her majesty’s royal marine band and an 80 strong male choir at the Chateau Impney.

“I’m immensely proud of what everyone has achieved, it’s good to see the church is in good order and has been saved from potential closure.”