ST Mary’s Priory Church in Chepstow has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery fund (HLF) for vital works.

The Grade I-listed building requires essential conservation works to the roof of the nave and there is currently no effective disabled access.

A development grant of £13,100 has also been awarded to help the church progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

The Vicar of St Mary’s, Canon Chris Blanchard said: “This award will go a long way towards securing the future of our superb church. We are delighted to have been granted this Heritage Lottery Funding to take forward our plans to conserve St Mary’s and help make it more accessible for our local community.”

Richard Bellamy, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund Wales, said: “Places of worship are among the UK’s most historic buildings, with fascinating stories behind them. Thanks to National Lottery players, this money will pay for urgent repairs at St Mary’s Priory Church, while also helping to tell the stories of this special place to visitors. As a result the building itself will be more used by the whole community, and properly cared for into the future.”