Isle of Wight churches are to get government cash.

They are among nearly 5,000 across the United Kingdom to be awarded money from a £42 million conservation fund.

The Listed Places of Worship grants support the protection of religious buildings and on the Isle of Wight, the biggest grant is for Newport Minster.

The Church of St Thomas, which is undergoing renovation, occupies a prominent position in St Thomas' Square and receives more than £70,000.

Other large grants are for All Saints church in Newchurch, which will be given just over £8,000 and the Church of St James in Ryde, which has been awarded just under £5,900.

There is just over £2,900 for Bembridge's Holy Trinity Church, while Shalfleet's St Michael the Archangel will be given over £2,480.

St Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic church, on Pyle Street in Newport, will receive just over £2,350 and in Sandown, Carter Street's Church of St John will be given just under £2,000.

Other recipients are churches in Yarmouth, Ventnor, Shanklin and Mottistone.