A DREAM to rescue a crumbling Bolton landmark has come a step closer to reality.

The Grade II-listed former church Holy Trinity has lapsed into such disrepair it is officially classed as being "at risk".

Plans by Bolton Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) to turn the prominent building, next to the rail station in Trinity Street, into a base for town voluntary groups have been boosted by a council grant.

The bulk of £22,500 awarded to CVS this week will be spent on a deposit to ensure the organisation has first option on the former church.

Cash will also go on a survey of the building, disused since 1992, to assess its condition.

An estimated £3 million is needed to restore the church. CVS is awaiting the results of several grant applications but the council funding is regarded as an important piece in the jigsaw.

Ten voluntary groups have already made firm commitments to move into modern offices in the converted Holy Trinity.

The scheme was the brainchild of Andrew Mullholland, who runs The Home health project for gay men.

Alison Hill, chief officer for CVS, said: "It's going to be a beautiful building when it's finished. The extra advantage from our point of view is that it's very accessible."

Cllr John Byrne , executive member for leisure whose department awarded the grant, said: "We are keen to get the building back into use.

"It's a prominent spot in the town and I think it's something we need to get back into commission. The CVS has a great scheme."

Cllr Byrne has a personal interest in seeing the building brought back to life, having attended Holy Trinity School in the shadow of the imposing church.

The £22,500 grant was awarded using money allocated to the council under the Government's single regeneration budget.

The remaining £2,500 will be spent on development work in the Deane, Daubhill and Derby area.