Some of Bolton'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 £346m and, this year, the government has returned £42m to these important institutions.

Some of Bolton'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 £23,587.82, and Victoria Hall, which received £9,586.82.

John Walsh, a councillor for Astley Bridge and a warden of the parish church, stressed the significance of the support for the region as a whole.

The Bolton News: John Walsh

Cllr Walsh, also chair of the GM Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, 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 these landmark buildings are maintained on the skyline and it is so hugely important to the church and to the community."

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Others received a smaller amount, such as Bolton All Souls Church, which received £959.68.

The total returned to Bolton's religious buildings over the course of this year is almost £52,000.

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 last 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:

Bolton All Souls Church (BL1 8EY) - £959.68
Bolton Parish Church (BL1 1PS) - £23,587.82
Christ's Church (BL2 4HZ) - £2,157.67
St Augustine's Church (BL2 2LP) - £2,955.96
St Catherine's Church (BL6 5QT) - £2,068.56
St Katharine's Church (BL6 5EN) - £3,671.66
St Peter's Church (BL1 5RH) - £6,883.08
Victoria Hall (BL1 2AS) - £9,586.82

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