An Oakham church has been earmarked for funding from a Government fund supporting the restoration and conservation of churches.

All Saints' Church joins 40 other churches across Rutland, Melton and Harborough that are set to welcome the funding.

Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, said: "I am delighted that over 40 churches across Rutland, Melton, the Vale and the Harborough villages have been awarded Government funding for restoration and conservation!

"This funding comes from the Government's Listed Places of Worship (LPW), and will provide a significant boost to preserve and maintain the heritage of these much-loved community assets."

All Saints' Church is a key feature of the Oakham skyline. Image credit: Nub News.

The Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme gives grants covering the VAT on repairs of over £1,000 to listed buildings used as places of worship. 

The Scheme is run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and ensures that local history and culture is maintained across the country.

And All Saints' Church is one of the venues in this year's round of grants to welcome funding.

Aspects of Oakham's All Saints' Church date back to the 13th and 14th century, although many of the grander features and Gothic interiors date back to 1857-8, which the church was restored by George Gilbert Scott. Scott was involved in over 800 gothic builds and restorations.

All Saints' Church has some impressive features and stained glass. Image credit: Nub News.

Oakham Church has a priests bell, which was installed in 1840, and a ring of eight bells cast by Gillett & Johnston in 1910.

The church organ was added in 1996. A few minor additions have been made in recent years, but most of those are community based, with clubs and groups being added to the agenda. 

Now the church has a range of activities on offer, from regular services to music events and these local clubs and groups. 

There is a bell ringing group who ring the 9 bells regularly on Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 10:30am, before the morning service.

Oakham School also host regular music events there, and regular services take place at the church.

In the summer, High Sheriff Geraldine Feehally hosted a Justice Service at the place of worship, and over Christmas, celebrity baker Mary Berry joined the local community at the annual NSPCC concert hosted at the church.

It remains a hive of activity for the local community. Find out more about All Saints' Church here.

The church celebrates and commemorates a range of seasonal occasions. Image credit: Nub News.

Ms Kearns concluded: "I would encourage all of our local wardens to apply for this important fund if they haven't done so already, and help ensure the future and sustainability of our local churches for future generations."