The Churches Trust for Cumbria has employed a new officer to support historic places of worship in Cumbria in a post part-funded by English Heritage, the Government’s lead adviser on the historic environment.

The job is part of a national English Heritage scheme to offer support to congregations which care for historic buildings.

Jemma Metcalfe-Gibson will develop a strategy for the long-term support of Cumbria’s historic places of worship and will help individual congregations to understand, care for and make best use of their buildings.

Ms Metcalfe-Gibson, who grew up in Cumbria, has spent the last ten years with Historic Scotland advising on changes to listed buildings. For the first year of her work, she will concentrate her efforts in supporting around ten identified congregations throughout the county to organise major repairs or improve the use and maintenance regime of their buildings.

“This role really appeals to me because I believe that helping communities to care for their church buildings and to make the best use of them is such a worthwhile thing to do. I’m looking forward to exploring Cumbria and its church buildings, meeting lots of new people and helping them to make a difference,” she said.

Jon Sear, Co-director of the Churches Trust for Cumbria said: “We are delighted to have Jemma in post. It means that we now have the equivalent of two rather than one full-time staff members, and that will make a big difference to what we can do.

"Although Jemma is employed by the Churches Trust for Cumbria, the Diocese of Carlisle has also contributed funding and she will be working very closely with the church authorities.”

The support officers project, part of English Heritage’s on-going Inspired! campaign, was launched in December 2008 by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Andy Burnham. English Heritage will part-fund 30 support officers to help congregations of all faiths all over the country.

Jemma’s appointment coincides with the Churches Trust for Cumbria launching its new website, www.ctfc.org.uk