News - Cash lifeline for stricken church
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An East Yorkshire church from which thousands of pounds were stolen by its former vicar has been partly reimbursed by its insurance company.
After the death of James Booth, the vicar of Wansford and Nafferton, it was found that as much as 40,000 was missing from the church bank account.
A police investigation concluded that Mr Booth stole the cash.
Now the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group has paid the church 10,000 as the first stage in recouping the money.
Further funds
Spokesman for the Diocese of York, Martin Sheppard, said: “Ten thousand pounds will make a real impact in rebuilding Wansford Church’s finances and it’s a reward for the hard work and determination of the church community there after the shock of losing both their vicar and their money.”
He added that it is hoped further funds could be recovered.
Most of the money stolen by Mr Booth had been collected to repair the roof of St Mary’s church.
But that will go ahead thanks to a grant from English Heritage and an agreement with the diocese’s board to underwrite the missing money pending its recovery.
, and more another.