AN iconic Dudley church has landed a huge financial windfall following a funding award from the Diocese of Worcester.

St Thomas and St Luke - which is known locally as Top Church - will benefit from part of a grant of more than £5 million.

As a result of this cash injection, Top Church, together with All Saints in Worcester, will become known as resourcing churches, with an official launch due to take place in September 2019.

Both churches will receive funding to develop the buildings and to employ extra team members.

Reverend James Treasure, who will lead the new resourcing church, couldn't hide his delight: "It's massive and wonderful news for Dudley and I can't wait to get going.

"It's such an opportunity to reach out and help transform this end of town."

In addition to building improvements, Top Church is hoping to appoint a children's minister, a community minister and a worship leader.

The church is already advertising for an operations director.

Revd Treasure added: "We've been keeping the church going on limited resources, but this investment will really help us reach out to to the local community.

"Like many churches, our congregation has dwindled, especially as people get older. This will give us the opportunity to build a more vibrant congregation.

"We want people of all ages to be part of Top Church and we want it to be there for generations to come.

"Not only that, this support gives us the opportunity to help other churches as well.

"It creates so many opportunities for people of the borough to experience life in all its fullness".