An historic church has been given a grant of £6,000 towards roof repairs, but it could be in line to receive much more.

St Peter’s Church in Ruthin is a Grade I double nave church dating from the 13th century with a long and eminent history, including associations with Gabriel Goodman, Dean of Westminster Abbey, who was born in Ruthin and did much to benefit the town, including the re-founding of Ruthin School.

The building has a particularly magnificent ceiling, which is in danger of being damaged by water ingress resulting from a leaking roof.

The £6,000 development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund takes the church a step closer towards support that could be worth £105,600.

Christine Simons, the co-ordinator of the project, said: “This is the most amazingly wonderful news and thanks are due, not only to the Heritage Lottery Fund, but also to all the people and organisations in Ruthin who supported our application.

“Having carried out extensive research among local residents, we see this as the first stage in developing St Peter’s into providing not only a place of worship, but also a community centre.

“In the future we would like to provide facilities which are lacking in the town, such as meeting rooms, a concert venue, exhibition space, a cinema, catering facilities and so on - all things which the people of Ruthin have told us they need.

“Without a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to repair the roof as the first step along this journey none of these future plans would be possible.”

Richard Bellamy, head of HLF in Wales, said “Wales’ historic and diverse places of worship are so often at the heart of our communities.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF funds urgent structural repairs and also improved facilities and visitor information. St Peter’s is an excellent example of how HLF can help conserve a much loved building so it can continue to serve its local community.”