CAMPAIGNERS trying to turn a disused Llanuwchllyn church into a heritage centre have received a cash boost.

Eglwys Deiniol Sant in Llanuwchllyn, will receive up to £30,000 to support a wider project to turn the now disused church into a heritage centre, community space and hostel accommodation.

Earlier this year, the church also received a grant worth more than £1million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Work is currently being undertaken to restore and bring the Grade II listed building back into community use whilst bringing a number of local histories together including its connections with Patagonia.

The new exhibition space will share stories including that of Michael D Jones, founder of the Welsh colony of settlers in Patagonia in 1865 marking 150 years since the maiden voyage to Y Wladfa.

The church has been closed since 2006 and a new 12-bed bunkhouse and centre for cyclists and tourists will also be created as part of the new centre, providing new jobs, volunteer and training opportunities and a new attraction to the growing local heritage economy.

Announcing the funding, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said: “Historical buildings all across Wales are important in shaping our communities and telling the story of our past, while bringing significant economic benefits through tourism.

The Deputy Minister added: “There are significant social and educational benefits to these sites and I am pleased that we are continuing to support a range of projects both in and around Communities First areas.

“Early this year I introduced the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill which will legislate to better care and protect our important historic buildings and monuments.

“I am pleased that through these grants we are already supporting exciting conservation projects right across Wales, which will lead the way in protecting our past for the Wales of tomorrow.”