Some of Trafford's religious buildings are among thousands across the country to benefit from a multi-million-pound government grant scheme.

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme allows religious buildings of all religions and in need of conservation to claim VAT on the work.

Since 2010 the government has returned £346 million and, this year, the government has returned £42 million to these important institutions.

Some of Trafford's religious buildings are among thousands across the country to benefit from the multi-million-pound government grant scheme including Stretford's St Matthew's Church, which received £4,969.60.

Messenger Newspapers: John Walsh

John Walsh, the chair of the GM Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, stressed the significance of the support for the region as a whole.

Cllr Walsh, also a councillor at Bolton Council and a warden at Bolton Parish Church said: "We've got a lot of landmark buildings in Greater Manchester and maintaining them is a huge cost. 

"The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is beneficial in making sure the landmark buildings are maintained on the skyline and it is so hugely important to the church and to the community."

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Other received a smaller amount, such as Carrington's St George's Church, which received around £180.

The total returned to Trafford's religious buildings over the course of this year is around £13,200.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Arts and Heritage, said: "The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme supports these precious places of worship which are cherished by people of all faiths and none.

"With nearly 5,000 supported over the past year alone I am glad to see the difference it has made to visitors, worshippers, and the people who look after them for the benefit of future generations."

Here is a list of the religious buildings:

All Saints Church (M41 7LG) - £457.89
Christ Church (WA15 7AN) - £1,202.30
St George's Church (M31 4UG) - £178.30
St Martin's Church (M33 5QQ) - £130.00
St Mary's Church (M31 4FB) - £380.98
St Mary's Church (M41 7BU) - £593.55
St Matthew's Church (M32 8HF) – £4,969.60
St Paul's Church (M33 7YA) – £1,304.00
St Werburgh's Church (WA13 9SS) – £3,947.92

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.