AN HISTORIC parish church has been granted vital lottery cash that could unlock a half-a-million pound windfall.

All Saints Ilkley – built on the site of a Roman fort – has been given initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a project to tell the story of more than 2,000 years of history.

Development funding of £22,700 has been awarded to help the church with its plans to apply for a full £500,000 grant at a later date.

The scheme to develop the church and Church House will cost more than £1.5 million, £400,000 of which has already been raised by the church.

The site's history will be told through the eyes of people it has been important to over the years, including the Roman governor Agricola, who chose Ilkley for one of his forts, and the 'donkey man', whose beasts ferried people up Ilkley Moor in Victorian times.

The project will include displays, guided walks, digital media and an educational programme for children.

The Rev Patrick Bateman said: "We’re delighted the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support and encouragement.

"Our church has been an important part of Ilkley’s Christian heritage and wider community for nearly 1,400 years. It’s great that we are a step closer to preserving it for another century, and to widening access to this special place for even more people to appreciate, enjoy and share."

All Saints is one of the most historic places in Ilkley, standing on the site of the former Roman Fort of Olicana, a scheduled ancient monument, founded in 80AD. After the fort was abandoned, Anglo-Saxon settlers re-used the stone to build a church. The current Grade II listed building is partly medieval and was enlarged by the Victorians.

The 15th century tower houses three Grade I listed Saxon crosses and several Roman altars of regional importance.

The church and Church House are used by more than 30 community groups for meetings, concerts, theatre productions and exhibitions.

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This initial investment will support All Saints Ilkley in developing its plans to open up the church and share its long and varied history with the wider community.

"This significant site tells the story of more than 2,000 years of history and is an important part our local and national heritage. We look forward to receiving a second round application in the future."

The church now has two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.