St Mary's in Wortham, Suffolk is to receive �68,000

The repair grant scheme will provide funds to 44 listed houses of worship.

The awards were given to one church each in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, 11 in Cambridgeshire, six in Essex, 16 in Norfolk and nine in Suffolk.

Robyn Greenblatt, who manages the lottery fund for the region, said the awards demonstrated commitment to safeguarding cherished buildings.

She said the churches "still play a vital role in towns and villages across the east of England".

Largest grants awarded Bedfordshire: St Mary, Henlow �118,000 Cambridgeshire: St John the Baptist Holywell-cum-Needleworth �177,000 Essex: St Peter, Colchester �153,000 Norfolk: St Andrew, Brettenham �165,000 Suffolk: All Saints, Wickhambrook �160,000

The awards range from �9,000 to �177,000 - for structures which differ greatly in their age and condition.

Some date back to the medieval era and others are newer examples, such as St George's Church, in Chesterton, Cambridgeshire.

The church was built in 1938 and is thought to be the last built in England before the second World War.

It is to receive �108,000 for repairs to its tower, north and south aisles, porch and vestry.

Richard Halsey, with English Heritage, said it was hoped the grants would help to "provide guaranteed public access to a wealth of ecclesiastical heritage".