A DERELICT church is being converted into an attraction where visitors will be able to watch artists at work, restoring antiques and valuables.

The former Anglican church of St Mary's, behind Preston Prison, is being slowly restored by the county council's museum service, and will become a centre for a team of restoration workers.

The experts are currently based at the county's headquarters on Stanley Street, but could be moving into the church, in St Mary's Street, off New Hall Lane, which has stood empty for about five years. The multi-million pound restoration is expected to take a number of years, but once finished there will be viewing areas in the 'conservation studio' for members of the public.

County councillor Marcus Johnstone, cabinet member for cultural services and communications, said: "The team at Stanley Street do anything from pieces of furniture to pictures. But their accommodation isn't good.

"The long-term aim is to put them in St Mary's, but it isn't going to happen overnight. When it is finished we hope it will become an attraction in its own right."

Museum chiefs hope the church will attract restoration work from across the North West. The team have already worked with organisations like the National Football Museum, helping to restore trophies.

Inspector Dave Asbridge said: "Regeneration like this is very welcome and it does help. Regeneration has been shown to help reduce crime and nuisance."