Church Saved from Closure After "Miracle" Discovery of Gold Coins

A 14th Century church has been saved from closure after the discovery of a "miracle" hoard of gold coins worth nearly £30,000 found hidden under the altar.

St Wilfrid's Church in Melling, near Lancaster, was set to shut as its congregation was unable to raise the £750,000 needed for urgent repairs to the building.

Rev Jane Lee said she and a lay minister were preparing for morning prayers when they discovered a plastic bag with a box which "to our amazement" contained nine gold Britannia coins inside.

She said they burst into tears as it was "so desperately needed" for the 700 year old church which was "in a bit of a pickle" due to the extent of the repair work required including a new roof.

She told BBC North West Tonight: "We just burst into tears when we saw it.

"We couldn't believe it. It was like a miracle because it's so desperately needed for the church."

Lee said the church was in the process of closing when the hoard was discovered.

"We were struggling to keep our doors open."