CHURCHES across south Essex are set for major revamps after bagging a share of a £100,000 grant.

The Friends of Essex Churches Trust has brought Christmas cheer to churches in Basildon, Benfleet and Rettendon.

St Martin’s Church, in Basildon towncentre, has been givena£15,000 cash boost. The money will be used to replace gutters, repairs to concrete pillars and the re-painting of stained glass windows.

St Mary’s Church, at the junction of Essex Way and High Road, Benfleet, has been handed £10,000 for much-needed new flooring, heating and lighting.

The trust has also given £15,000 for the re-roofing of All Saints Church, in Church Chase, Rettendon, near Wickford.

The Rev Leslie Drake, from St Mary’s, said the money has helped his church move closer towards its £300,000 fundraising target.

He added: “In the current economic climate, it is tough to get money together and a lot of the big grants tend to go to buildings which are falling down, or in need of major work from the outside.

“A lot of things at St Mary’s need replacing to bring the church up to current standards.”

The Rev Esther McCafferty, from St Martin’s, added: “We always donate to the trust, so we can help other churches and, in turn, they help us. You have to give to receive, which is a perfect message for this time of year.

“We were delighted to get this grant. It’s absolutely wonderful.”

Further cash has been awarded to other churches in east London and north Essex.

James Bettley, chairman of the Friends of Essex Churches Trust, said the money is designed to ensure the future of the buildings and attract new visitors.

He added: “Church buildings with modern facilities are welcoming, but the trust would like all churches in Essex and east London to be welcoming places and to be around for future generations to enjoy.

“One of the reasons our beautiful and historic churches are here today is they have made sensible changes over the years, which keep them in use.

“Making churches more userfriendly is important for another reason. It helps them to raise the funds, through community events, that enable them to keep up with the routine maintenance that ensures the building’s long-term survival.”