A CASH boost has given to a Blackburn church to help protect it from vandals.

St Luke with St Philip's Church, Bank Top, has been awarded £759 from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts.

The money will be used to protect five stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel and Sanctuary as a precautionary measure against vandalism.

Twelve clear glass windows face on to the car park, and seven were protected with plastic four months ago after being vandalised.

One stained glass window was also damaged 12 months ago after being pelted with stones.

The Rev Anthony Bedell said: "I happened to meet Grattan Endicott, who is secretary to the trustees at the Foundation for Sports and the Arts, and I asked him whether awards are given to protect beautiful things as well as create beautiful things. "He suggested that I applied for a grant and I was delighted when I heard that we had been successful."

"Churches like schools and other public buildings do receive quite a pounding from vandals from time to time.

"In our church we have stained glass windows which date back to 1877 as well as two beautiful modern stained glass windows, and we feel it is our responsibility to protect them.

"We have previously covered the windows with wire mesh, which made the church look more like a prison."

The Foundation for Sports and the Arts was set up in July 1991 by members of the Pools Promoters' Association - Littlewoods, Vernons and Zetters.

Grants are awarded to benefit sports and the arts, both amateur and professional.

The foundation also provides funding to increase the use of existing facilities, modernise buildings, and assist with projects throughout the country, to benefit the population at grass roots level.

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