Rescuers of rural church and power plant in running for ‘angels’ award

St Andrew’s Church, Ulrome, which has a congregation of just 10, and Linton Falls Hydropower Plant, in the Yorkshire Dales, have been chosen to go into the finals of the English Heritage Angel Awards in London on October 22.

Backed by Lord Lloyd-Webber, the Angels celebrate efforts made by individuals, groups and organisations all over the country to save derelict historic landmarks from being lost forever.

The church and power plant are on a list of four projects competing for the Angel award for best rescue of a place of worship and best rescue of an industrial site or building, respectively.

Only a couple of years ago the church was standing empty. 
“Basically it was falling down”, said treasurer Andrew Jefferson.

It was only when local Anglican church Christ Church Bridlington, for which Mr Jefferson works, took over that a small but loyal congregation was established. The fundraising and voluntary efforts of the group meant that despite the church only having a turnover of £3,000 a year, St Andrew’s was formally reopened in June, in an event attended by over 100 people.