Eighteen of Suffolk’s much-loved medieval churches have been awarded a total of more than £800,000 between them to repair their roofs.

The money comes from a £30million funding package which will see 500 places of worship helped nationally.

James Halsall, of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich advisory committee for the care of churches in Suffolk, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the outcome but am naturally disappointed for those who didn’t receive a grant.

“We will be working to encourage these PCCs to re-submit an application later in the year for next year’s recently promised allocation of £25m.

“The almost £800,000 allocated to Suffolk’s churches represents a huge boost ensuring our medieval churches remain open for all.”

Acting Bishop for Suffolk, the Rt Rev Dr David Thomson said: “I am thrilled. These grants will make a real difference in helping the churches we love continue to play an active part in the lives of their local communities.”

He paid tribute to the hard work that had gone into the applications and offered his commiserations to unsuccessful applicants with the hope they would be able find funds very soon.

Suffolk had 18 successes from 44 applications – the highest success rate in the East of England and in the top three nationally.

Churches to win grants were: Assington, £37,600; St Michael, Beccles, £26,800; Benhall, £83,100; Bradfield Combust, £21,300; Bramfield, £24,600; Bredfield, £21,900; Cotton, £40,900; Dalham, £25,100; Euston, £38,600; Falkenham, £30,700; Great Finborough, £60,300; Great Wratting, £75,000; St James, Icklingham, £12,800; Redlingfield, £71,800; St Gregory, Rendlesham, £19,000; Stansfield, £66,400; Sternfield, £71,900; and Wrentham, £69,100.

Janet Gough, director of ChurchCare, said the impact of the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund grants would be “unparalleled” with the largest number of roof repairs carried out at any one time.