A £3m project to restore a historic Oxfordshire abbey is going ahead despite the loss of a £1.5m grant.

The Abbey at Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon, won the money from the Heritage Lottery Fund at the beginning of the year — on the condition it would raise the other half by May.

But the Abbey, which is run by a community of six people and a charity, was only able to raise £50,000.

The Abbey's grounds, rooms in the main house and the self-contained guest house can be hired privately and by organisations for wedding receptions, gatherings and courses. It is also used for retreats and creative workshops.

Director Adrian Rance said the restoration of the 13th century medieval building, which has received listed building consent, would still go ahead but could take up to a decade to complete.

He said: "The original plan was a £3m project and Heritage Lottery was going to give us a big grant.

"Because we didn't raise enough the offer is no longer available.

"It is disappointing as the chance of securing another Heritage Lottery fund is pretty remote. The amount of funding available is going to be less as a lot is going towards the Olympics."

The plans include work on the guest house and the chambers of the building, along with converting the dovecote into accomm- odation.

Mr Rance added: "We’ll be doing a bit at a time, over about 10 years.

"The abbey is a very popular venue for people to come and do classes and workshops and for retreats and conferences. We are still here and open for business."

The abbey was built as an administrative centre for the great Benedictine Abbey of Abingdon.

Oxfordshire architects and town planners West Waddy have been appointed by the charity to undertake the work.

Partner Steve Simkins said: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity of being involved with the restoration of such an important Grade I listed building right on our doorstep."

Pupils from the village primary school visited the historic site on Friday as part of an art project.

Headteacher Chris Price said: "It's all about the children making the most of their community and realising what is on their doorsteps."

For more information, visit theabbey.uk.com