PLANS to create a shop, introduce better seating, new toilets and heating at Newport Minster have been boosted by a £5,000 grant.
The church is one of just 12 across the country to receive one of the first Project Development Grants, from the National Churches Trust.
As well as being the main Anglican church on the Island, it regularly hosts events including the Isle of Wight Jazz Festival and Writers' Circle.
"It has the largest seating capacity on the Island. However, a lack of space and toilets limit its use.
"The National Churches Trust’s £5,000 Project Development Grant will support the latest phase of a decade long project of restoration and reordering of this historic church.
"It will help the church to develop plans and costings ahead of an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the final phase of repairs, as well as helping shape plans for toilets, comfortable seating, a meeting room, new vestries and storage space, a shop, and new lighting, sound, and heating systems," said a spokesman.
The National Churches Trust is the national, non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting churches of all Christian denominations in the UK.