ST Mary's Star of the Sea Church of Largs have presented their financial accounts for the past two years.

With the final instalment of the church fabric repairs made in 2018, costs have returned to a much lower level of around £20,000 each year which include ongoing maintenance and running costs.

In 2019 church equipment included liturgical items – chasubles, altar cloth, crucifix and funeral pall (£2,865) along with an upgrade to the sound system (£2,000). Repairs and maintenance cost £1,277 and church windows another £2,445.

In 2020 church equipment included broadcasting equipment saw a spend of £1,096 and vestments £299. Repairs and maintenance included the church porch refurbishment at £2,835, plumbing and heating bills of £2,264, roof repairs of £1,900, gutters and downpipes £1,240, lighting £712 and Covid health and safety requirements £470.

The church hall was closed to parishioners and the public for large proportion on 2020 and is likely to remain so for some time to come. Annual maintenance of the fabric of the building and equipment continued to cost around £2,000 per year

A church spokesperson said: "2019 reflects the parish’s first full year under Mgr. Peter Magee’s care and the various initiatives he has introduced.

"2020 has seen the church building closed to parishioners for a significant period which, whilst bringing some savings in running costs, brought its own unique costs replacing physical worship with virtual alternatives.

"In general 2019 income returned to normal sources with no significant legacies however 2020 was thrown into turmoil with physical collections impacted by lockdown.

"The parish has rallied in this difficult year with support from continuing standing orders and personally handed in donations going towards replacing regular mass collections

The bank balances closed the 2020 year at £218,540.

The full annual financial return summary can be found on the church website.