THE overgrown ruins of a priority could be restored through a new community project aimed at conserving heritage in County Durham.

The project to restore the ruins of Beaurepaire Priory, near Bearpark, is in its early stages but it is hoped will make the site more accessible to the public.

It is being led by Rebecca Watkins, who set up Yorkshire-based Dream Community Charity last year, who became interested in the site as a Durham University archaeology student.

She said: “I wanted to see if we could restore the ruins. Our aim is not just to look after these historic sites but get the community to look after it.

“It has been restored before but most councils have lost funding towards cultural and historic sites, so all over the UK they are falling into disrepair, which is why heritage is at risk.

“I want to create a project where we teach the community to do that so they can learn things like masonry so they can look after stone walls and how to clear vegetation and how to do something that’s self financing as well.”

The first information meeting was held in May, with around 50 people attending.

Ms Watkins added: “Everybody who was there wants it to be done. At the moment it’s of no value to the community but it could become an asset and allow people to explore their local history.

“A lot of people feel pride in the the area but feel parts of it are disappearing and they want to find that culture before it disappears.”

At present, the site of the medieval priory is currently overgrown.

The first aim of the group will be to clear the vegetation to make it more accessible and the charity is also hoping to set up a research group to find out more about the site.

Beau Repaire – French for beautiful retreat – was built by Prior Bertram between 1244 and 1258 and was later destroyed by the Scots and rebuilt in 1346.

It was badly damaged during Scottish attacks, which culminated in the nearby Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346

Anyone interested in finding out more, or joining, can go on a tour of the site on Thursday, June 7.

People are asked to meet at Bearpark Community Centre at 6pm and are advised to wear sturdy shoes.

The charity would also welcome sponsors or contributions of materials or labour.