AN EXCITING vision to unlock the history and potential of one of Worcester’s oldest places of Christian worship has secured initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

St Helen’s Church, on Fish Street, has taken a giant stride toward receiving up to £250,000 in HLF funding that would turn ambitious plans for the Grade II listed building into reality.

The project would see essential restoration work carried out to its 13th Century stonework, as well as funding new resources – including interactive displays, timelines and videos - that would bring to life the church’s rich Medieval and Civil War history.

Development funding of up to £28,400, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, has been awarded to All Saints Church on Deansway, whose community uses the building, to progress its proposals for St Helen’s before applying for a full grant at a later date.

All Saints currently uses St Helen’s to host weekly evening services, a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) job club and a music themed toddler group.

But with lottery backing a packed programme of new activities would also be introduced, including tourist trails, history days, art exhibitions, sports activities, concerts and afternoon teas.

Reverend Dr Rich Johnson, Vicar of All Saints, said: “We’re thrilled the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.

"St Helen’s is already a thriving place of worship and home to many community events, but we want more people to come and experience the rich history, power and beauty of this place.”

It is believed the site of St Helen’s has been a place of Christian worship since at least the early 7th Century, predating the monastery which later became Worcester Cathedral.

The oldest part of the existing building – the North Wall – dates back to 1288 but most of St Helen’s was rebuilt in the 15th Century before undergoing another major restoration in the late 1800s.

During the Second World War the church served as a soldiers’ club before an agreement was reached for it to become a branch of the county council’s Record Office in 1957.

But in 2003 it was revived by the congregation of All Saints Church as a place of worship, prayer and community events.

Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: “There is a place of worship in almost every ward, village and town across the West Midlands, providing a very powerful visual connection with our past.

"This award to St Helen’s Church in Worcester will ensure essential repairs are carried out, and allow visitors and local people to get involved and learn about the fascinating stories and heritage of the building, which has served the community since the 13th Century.”