A 700-year-old mediaeval chest has been given a new lease of life at Pershore Abbey.

It has been in the abbey for centuries but has been hidden away and mainly used for storing surplices.

After being restored it has been brought out into view and will be used to collect donations made by visitors to the historic building.

Colin Reeves, a member of the abbey congregation, restored the chest. The lid has been fixed open and a glass top added.

The Rev Kenneth Crawford, the vicar of Pershore, said: "We have generally only used it for storage but we believe that it was once used to house very valuable items from Victorian times and also from Rome. We need about £20 each hour to maintain this ancient place as a vital centre of worship in the community.

"The use of this chest for donations might help those who give to feel that they're contributing to the timeless continuity of the work of God's kingdom."