A project to revive a crumbling Westcountry chapel has narrowly missed out on winning a £2 million grant in the live final of the BBC's popular Restoration Village.

Newlyn Trinity Methodist Chapel, based in the heart of the West Cornwall fishing village, was one of eight properties competing for the cash.

It was pipped to the post by Chedham's Yard blacksmiths building in Wellesbourne in Warwickshire, however, in the live public vote.

Presenters on the BBC programme revealed that runners up, including Newlyn's chapel, will each receive a sum of money to help them continue their restoration campaigns.

Campaigners from Newlyn have vowed to continue their battle to fully restore the classically-designed 170-year old building, which is on English Heritage's "at risk" list of properties. Alternative ways of raising the estimated £1 million needed to repair the building will be sought with the long term aim of using it as a heritage and cultural centre for Newlyn.

The Rev Julyan Drew, minister of Trinity Methodist Chapel, said the exposure Restoration Village had given the chapel would be a huge boost for fundraising efforts.

Historic buildings in a Westcountry town which were once the hub of its industry could make a major contribution to its industrial areas, a leading new book has claimed.

The new English Heritage book encourages a fresh understanding and appreciation of Bridport's industrial heritage, including buildings that are now empty or need a new lease of life. It looks at buildings which were once the centre of the Dorset town's flax and hemp manufacturing and industry.

The book "Bridport and West Bay: The Buildings of the Flax and Hemp Industry" celebrates the distinctive qualities of the town's historic buildings, including those in nearby villages and at Bridport Harbour

Article copyright WESTERN MORNING NEWS 

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