A FOREST church has received a grant for £3,000 for crucial plaster repairs – a week after it was targeted by thieves.

Holy Trinity Church in Drybrook can now start work to the nave and chancel thanks to a grant from the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust.

Just over a week ago the church saw £2,500 worth of original coping stone stolen from its wall.

Churchwarden Jane White said: “Everyone in the parish would like to offer their thanks to the trust for this outstanding help for a deeply-loved church and to those who worked hard to obtain it.

“The renovations will be much welcomed in the coming months when various services will be held between now and Christmas, including the annual Christmas service held by the Forest of Dean Council.”

Grants have also been received by the Allchurches Trust for £1,150 and Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust for £2,500.

The church was first used for worship in 1817 though, due to treacherous winter weather conditions, consecration of the church was delayed until the bishop could attend from Gloucester later that year.

The Gloucestershire Environmental Trust provides grants from funds generated by the Landfill Communities Fund for the benefit of Gloucestershire, its people and its environment.