What a relief! A special grant means worshippers at an Isle of Wight church will have a toilet - after 900 years!

The historic St Mary and St Rhadegund's Church in Whitwell has never had a toilet in its long history. That has often caused difficulty for regulars and visitors when they need this facility.

Now a Biffa Award grant of almost £68,000 has been awarded for the installation of a toilet and kitchen facilities. Installation of a kitchen will also help the church building to be used in new and innovative ways for the benefit of the community. Work should begin in September.

Project Manager Rose Ashton said: “We are delighted to accept this fantastic award and look forward to working with Biffa Award as our funding partner”.

And the rector, the Rev Nigel Porter said: “We are extremely grateful for the Biffa Award grant as it recognises the valiant efforts local people have made to get a toilet and kitchen installed in the church, and the value of the church to the local community."

Gillian French, Biffa Award head of grants, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting a project with such a fantastic community focus. We can’t wait to see how the church is going to be transformed!”

Congratulatory messages have also been received from Bishop Christopher, and the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, who are both patrons of the appeal. And a special message has come from TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh who said: “I am absolutely delighted that you succeeded in gaining your funding."

Fundraising for this project had been ongoing under the title 'Tops and Bottoms Appeal'. It aimed to raise enough money for a toilet, and also for stonework repairs to the west wall and windows, as well as the porch and elsewhere. This part of the improvements to the church may cost more than £200,000, and grant applications are pending.