HERITAGE Lottery money is helping Salisbury Arts Centre restore its listed church premises with a grant of £674,000.

The money enables work to be carried out on the roof, medieval stonework and magnificent stained glass windows of the former St Edmund's Church, which is home to the arts centre.

The award heralds the start of major renovation at the venue, due to start in April and running through to the end of the year.

News of the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has delighted Jill Low, director of the arts centre.

"This funding is a real affirmation of the vital role that the arts centre has in the community and the important part it plays in the arts for Salisbury and its invaluable contribution to the preservation of one of Salisbury's historic buildings," she said.

"It will give a real boost to the opportunities available in the arts centre and ensure that activity takes place in a sound environment."