Some of Bury'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 Bury's religious buildings are among thousands across the country to benefit from the multi-million-pound government grant scheme including Greenmount United Reformed Church, which received more than £26,000.

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.

Bury 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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Others received a smaller amount, such as Radcliffe's St Andrew's Church, which received around £400.

The total returned to Bury's religious buildings over the course of this year is around £30,000.

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 (BL8 3FS) - £507.60
Greenmount United Reformed Church (BL8 4HF) - £26,259.53
St Andrew's Church (M26 4HU) - £400.00
St John the Baptist's Church (BL9 6UH) - £400.00
St Marie's Church (BL9 0DR) - £464.92
St Thomas's Church (BL9 7EY) - £1,044.33

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