A CHURCH in Worcester is to be restored to its former glory more than 100 years after it was first built, thanks to lottery cash.

Ian Pattison, warden at St George’s Church, said the building would gain a new lease of life after a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Mr Pattison, who put the bid together, said the £101,000 repairs would be the most major work since the grade-two listed church, designed by Sir Aston Webb, was built in 1895. He hopes the work can begin this time next year on the Anglican church in St George’s Square, Barbourne.

Mr Pattison has been involved in the church for the last 50 years and has been church warden twice.

He said: “I’m excited about the project. Now the scheme has started, I’m anxious to see it through during my second term of office as warden.

“Nothing has been done on this scale to the church since it was built in 1895.”

The work involves re-slating the south aisle roof, re-roofing the vestries, stonework repairs and repairs to the guards on the east windows.

The work in total will cost £190,000, of which £101,000 will be paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The church will have to raise the rest of the money itself but has already raised more than £38,000 thanks to the hard work of the Friends of St George’s Church.

The third phase of the project will include the restoration of the roofs of the Lady Chapel and restoration of the Nicholson organ. A new sound system, and indoor chairs will be purchased, and improvements will be carried out to the lighting. Finally the stained glass windows will be restored and guards will be introduced to protect them from vandals.