Some of Oldham'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 Oldham's religious buildings are among thousands across the country to benefit from the multi-million-pound government grant scheme including its Parish Church, which received almost £14,000.

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.

The Oldham Times: John Walsh

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 Denshaw's Christ Church, which received around £200.

The total returned to Oldham's religious buildings over the course of this year is around £38,000.

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:

Christ Church (OL3 5SJ) - £237.79
Holy Trinity Church (OL3 5AN) - £2,226.99
Oldham Parish Church (OL1 3UH) - £13,501.69
St Anne's Church (OL2 5AD) - £280.48
St Margaret's Church (OL8 4QQ) - £1,405.93
St Mary's Church (M35 0NN) - £9,683.77
St Matthew's Church (OL1 2RE) - £9,095.38
St Paul's Church (OL2 5JS) - £1,513.80
St Thomas's Church (OL1 4SJ) - £329.24
St Thomas's Church (OL3 5TU) - £315.00 

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