A newspaper donation has helped a Cumbrian church get nearer its goal of making badly-needed repairs.

St Barnabas, at Setmurthy, can almost cover its bills following a £300 donation by the West Cumberland Times & Star.

The paper has supported the local community with its gift to help the building with a £3,000 refurbishment.

It has not been used for two months while builders replaster the interior.

The Times & Star explained: “With a parish population of 93 adults and an average Sunday attendance of just 20, the church finds it hard to cover its everyday costs without having to come up with extra funds to finance repairs.

“It raised £2,000 towards the revamp work at an Easter flower festival but was left with a £1,000 deficit – and asked the Times & Star if it could help.”

Other work to be done on the church, which dates back to 1525, include protecting and improving the woodwork, furnishings and windows.

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