A PROJECT is hoping to secure funding to provide a future for Gisborough Priory.

The priory, which dates back to the 12th century, is owned by Lord Gisborough but is under the care of English Heritage and is managed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Guisborough Town Pride - a charity made up of local people hoping to regenerate the town and revitalise a pride in the area - is also involved through the Priory Project which began in 1998 as a way of boosting and developing the landmark.

The project now wants to secure sufficient funding to produce a detailed set of costed plans which will outline how the future of the site can be achieved.

This involves the development of an Interpretation Centre which will document the history of the priory and open up and extend more of the gardens and grounds for regular public use.

Before the dreams can become a reality, the group must fund a feasibility study to see how the plans can be developed - and that's going to cost in the region of £10,000.

Judith Arber, from the Priory Project, explained: "It involves getting useful statistics of expected costings so that we can show people what we want to do. We have to demonstrate that we have consulted with the public and that what we are planning is in line with expectations."

A number of fundraising activities are planned for the Guisborough area throughout the next few months.

These include a quiz night at the Tap and Spile on Westgate on Tuesday, April 23 at 8.30pm, where project members will be on hand to discuss ideas for the priory.

On May 31 there will be educational activities for local schoolchildren at the priory, and a fun day and evening concert on Saturday, June 1.

To help with the fundraising please call Mrs Arber on (01287) 635019