The 12th century Malmesbury Abbey is undergoing a faceliftA monastery was first established on the site of Malmesbury Abbey around 676, but the present building dates from the 12th century.

During the next two centuries the building was expanded but in 1539 Henry VIII dissolved the monastery and it subsequently became the parish church in 1541.

The building continued to decay and, around the end of the 16th century, the west tower collapsed.

Now, thanks to restoration work largely carried out early in the 20th century, the remaining part of the abbey is used as a parish church and concert venue.

The abbey, which dominates the town, has evolved in the last 1,000 years without the need for major work.

But now a £3 million restoration fund has been launched for a three storey extension to the west side.

The extension, which will include a new entrance under the large stained glass window in the north-facing wall, will include a visitor centre and exhibition area.

Architect Ptolemy Dean, who appeared in the BBC TV series Restoration, has been appointed to design the extension.

The storage room containing the stained glass window of Elmer, the abbey's legendary flying monk, will be converted into a chapel.

Lifts will connect the three storeys and the ground floor will house the visitor centre, the first floor the parish offices and the second floor will be used for group meetings.