£190,000 is to be invested to help restore a church in L'Derry.

The investment, from the Rural Development Programme, is to be used to restore the architectural and historical legacy of St Patrick's Church in Claudy.

A works programme centred on the church's exterior and its bell tower, would restore its rural heritage and improve the streetscape of the village. The church's interior was also transformed to provide community space for a range of activities.

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Claudy Parish Community Group participated in the development of an integrated village plan for the village.

Agricultural Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "I have always maintained that local people know best what is required in their area and I’m delighted that RDP funding has been utilised to restore the Grade B listed St Patrick’s Church and enhance the wider village of Claudy.

"Village Renewal and Development can enhance the sense of shared ownership, social cohesion and inclusion and build the capacity of local people to create a vision for their village and fully develop the potential to achieve sustainable outcomes."

(CD/MH)