A HERITAGE Lottery Fund grant of £86,000 will enable visitors to the Priory Church at Bolton Abbey to see the historical surroundings in a new light.

A grant of £86,600 will enable the Priory to complete its ambitious Lighting and Visitor Welcome Scheme during spring this year.

New lighting has been designed by Bruce Kirk, of Light Perceptions, who has previously designed schemes for other important church buildings, including the cathedrals at Ripon and Sheffield.

As well as lighting, the scheme will involve graphic design students at Craven College in Skipton working with the Priory to produce new visitor signage, plus and an exhibition of photographs by students at Skipton Academy, which will be on display while the lighting is being installed.

"The Priory Church at Bolton Abbey is one of the most significant church buildings in the north of England," said the Rector of Bolton Abbey, Canon Simon Cowling.

"Thanks to National Lottery players, and the generosity of a number of private donors, visitors to the church will be able to appreciate much more deeply the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the building."

Head of HLF Yorkshire and the Humber, Fiona Spiers, said: “This project will dramatically improve the visitor experience to the Priory Church by revealing the historic features of the church, currently hidden in the shadows. The improved interpretation will enable schools, visitors, and the community to enjoy and learn about the history of this significant building."