Two Norfolk churches have been given thousands of pounds to help with their maintenance.

Fakenham & Wells Times: St Andrew's Church, Thursford PICTURE: Ian BurtSt Andrew's Church, Thursford PICTURE: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2012)

The National Churches Trust has given £20,000 to help with the re-thatching of All Saints Church in Beighton, near Acle. The church is Grade I listed, and on the Historic England 'heritage At risk' register.

Reverend Martin Greenland and churchwarden Mrs Ann Adey said they had been praying for funding for years, and were 'delighted' with the funding.

In March this year, the church was also given £1,500 by the Norfolk Churches Trust. Works will include repairs to flint work on nave walls, and installing mains water access, allowing a kitchenette and accessible toilet to be put in.

At the same time, St Andrew's Church in Thursford, near Fakenham, will receive £10,000 for an accessible toilet and kitchenette.

In a joint statement, the church council said: "We are so grateful to the trust for their huge contribution towards helping us make the church a community facility as well as a centre for services.