The government has announced it will extend its listed places of worship grants, which can be used to claim back VAT costs for repairs and renovations on churches, synagogues, mosques and other historic buildings.

However, the pot of money has been halved from £42m to £23m and has only been extended until next spring.

The move has been cautiously welcomed by Rt Revd Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich.

Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich (Image: DIOCESE OF NORWICH)

He said: "I'm very pleased that the government has agreed to........

© Norwich Evening News