Church offering drug and alcohol support receives £3m award

A central Bristol church has been awarded over £3 million for restoration work by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

St James Priory, a Grade-I listed building, is part of the Anglican Diocese of Bristol and is leased to the St James Priory Project, which runs a drug and alcohol support programme.

The grant will give opportunities for training and volunteering to residents at the project.

The director of the St James Priory Project, Susan Jotcham said, "It's absolutely amazing news and such a tremendous relief, we have been so worried about the deteriorating condition of the building," reports the BBC.

"Not only is St James Priory an important part of the history of Bristol it is also a precious haven for all who come here."