Anita Brookes and Sheila Murphy with David Chalaye outside St Anne's Church in Burntwood

Efforts to raise money for a new roof at an historic Chasetown church have been boosted by a £1,000 donation.

St Anne’s Church has been given £1,000 by Midland Expressway Limited (MEL), operators of the M6Toll road.

Fundraisers currently have £30,000 to find in order to complete the £183,000 project.

Anita Brookes and Sheila Murphy with David Chalaye outside St Anne's Church in Burntwood
Anita Brookes and Sheila Murphy with David Chalaye outside St Anne’s Church in Burntwood
Rev David Brook said: “The campaign for the repair work to the church received an English Heritage pledge of £151,000, leaving the congregation and community to raise the remaining amount needed through various fundraising activities.

“We are extremely grateful to Midland Express Way Limited’s Social Committee for their generous donation.”

St Anne’s Church was built by local mine owner John Robinson McLean for local colliery workers and their families in 1865. It became the first church in the UK to have electricity in 1883.

The repairs began in April and are on target to be completed in time for the church’s 150th anniversary.

Tom Fanning, CEO of Midland Expressway Limited, said: “The church’s fundraising campaign was bought to my attention by one of my members of staff, Burntwood resident David Chalaye.

“The church is a very important part of our heritage and it is vital that it is kept in good repair.”

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