Abbey wins lottery grant

Abbey officials reacted with anger and dismay earlier this year when another application for lottery funding was snubbed by English Heritage - the body set up to protect the nation's historic buildings.

But now the Heritage Lottery Fund has had a change of heart - with the full blessing of English Heritage - following persistence by appeal director Jeremy Gaskell.

The grant will go towards restoring crumbling stonework.

The 10th century abbey only recently announced a £1.5 million local appeal to fund restoration of the west front stonework and historic organ together with new public toilets.

But a detailed architect's report - commissioned after serious storm damage last Easter - revealed it would cost millions of pounds more to restore the ancient stonework.

Repairs to the severely storm-damaged central tower have now been done, but it could take more than five years for the church to be restored to its former glory.

Jeremy Gaskell said: "The lottery grant is a massive kick-start to our appeal. The feeling is that the door is still open for more lottery money, but they can only give so much. We were very angry when English Heritage turned down our earlier application, but I'm thrilled they have now seen the light."

Abbey vicar, the Rev Keith Jukes said: "It is a massive challenge but one which we are determined to complete in the next five years.

"Thanks to the efforts of the Selby Abbey Trust which has already raised over £300,000 and the Heritage Lottery Fund, we now have the funds to start work on the west front in February. We can then concentrate our efforts on raising funds for the second project which is restoring the stonework of the choir.

"We are already planning a number of major events next year to help us towards our next target."

The appeal is fully supported by the Archbishop of York and the aim is to raise funds at both national and local level.