A church is being repaired thanks to a £25,000 grant.

The Friends of Jurby Church, the charity that oversees the care of St Patrick’s in Jurby, received funding of £25,000 to support the restoration of the 200-year-old building after permission was granted to restore some specific features.

The stained glass window St Maughold, converted and baptised by Saint Patrick, has been restored.

The east window of the crucifixion, paid for by the Ministry of Defence when the original window was blown out by the explosion following the crash-landing of a Sunderland flying boat at RAF Jurby in 1945, is also being restored. So is a plaque and two glass panels in the north porch donated by the RAF.

Further work to make the building watertight will include repairs to the plain glass windows, the render and the roof where the tower meets the nave.

Sandra Kerrison from The Friends of Jurby Church said: ’We’re immensely grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for its support. Last year we celebrated the building’s 200th anniversary and these essential works will be a great foundation for the next century and beyond.

’The ancient parishes of the Isle of Man play a huge role here, with the roots of Manx culture found in churches, churchyards and landscapes of the traditional parishes of Mann.

’Traditionally, the parish churches would have been the social hubs of each community, and we still do what we can in this regard and welcome daily visitors with people also popping in to see our exhibitions or events.

’To make up for not having our usual exhibitions and the Isle of Man Flower Festival this year, the famous Jurby Mice returned for what would have been Festival of Motorcycling fortnight, and there have been hundreds of visitors to see these unique displays.

’Before the closure of the Manx borders it was commonplace to welcome visitors from the United States, Canada or Australia who were researching their family history, some of whom had emigrated, others to visit family war graves.’

Sarah Kelly, the chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ’St Patrick’s Church is a special community hub which plays an important part in many local lives. We’re pleased to offer our support and assist The Friends of Jurby Church in making these essential repairs and refurbishments.’