MORE than £1million is to be spent on improving Whalley Abbey, it has been revealed.

The Blackburn diocese of the Church of England is to upgrade its historic retreat house and conference centre.

It is hoped that by improving the ancient building, the diocese will be able to increase the appeal of the centre, and attract more paying customers.

Canon Michael Wedgeworth, diocesan secretary, said: "The key to the whole future of the abbey is to marry a much more commercial approach to the continuing and absolutely fundamental spiritual purpose of the the house."

The refurbishment plan will replace the traditional funding, from parish subsidies. Currently, Whalley Abbey loses £24,000 a year.

Plans have been in the pipeline to refurbish the attraction since 1997. The building, founded about 1300, was sold to private owners in 1553. It was then bought back by the Church in 1923 and became the retreat house and conference centre in 1926.

The Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, Bishop of Blackburn, said: "We must revive these historic stones as foundations stones for new Christian adventures and revitalise an historic site for the future."