A CHURCH has been given nearly £2,000 for a new boiler.

St Richard's, in Hanworth, received the boost from recycling company SITA after the equipment started playing up earlier this year.

The building hosts five playgroup sessions a week, lunches for elderly people and twice-weekly youth club events.

SITA provided £1,860, which covers the cost of the project. The new boiler is expected to be installed in the week between Christmas and new year.

It has been a challenging year for the church, which was without a vicar between January and September, when Reverend Craig Holmes started. During that time, services were led by lay readers and a visiting priest conducted communion services.

Churchwarden Michael Mansell said: "There was a bit of delay because Mr Holmes couldn't start right away, but he was worth waiting for. It has been a difficult year, but we have all pulled together and I am pleased with how it worked out".

Mr Holmes has moved from Egham after training to be a vicar for three years. .