A MUSEUM and a local authority could soon be working together to find up to £150,000 to cover the cost of repairs to one of Richmond's oldest buildings.

That is the estimated cost of restoring Trinity Church in the market place - a figure well beyond the means of the council.

There are hopes that the Heritage Lottery Fund can be persuaded to come up with at least some of the cash. As part of the building is home to the Green Howards Regimental Museum, the town council has been advised a partnership may be the best approach.

Richmondshire District Council's conservation officer, David Elliott, told a meeting last week that a joint bid for funding could stand a better chance.

He also indicated that an application would be given a higher priority if it could be shown that the building is at risk.

As a result, the town council agreed to commission an architect to examine the condition of the whole building.

If it can agree on a partnership with the Green Howards Museum, both sides will have to decide if the building is used primarily as a church or as a museum; only then will they be able to decide which grant to apply for.