AN appeal to raise money towards the restoration of Bristol's oldest building has raised £800,000 in just four months.

St James Priory, which sits between the Haymarket and the bus station in Whitson Street, was built in 1129 as a Benedictine priory.

But the grade I listed building is deteriorating rapidly and is on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk register.

Earlier this year the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a £3.2 million grant to carry out repairs, which was dependant on more money being generated by the priory trustees.

In June the trustees of St James, where services are still held, launched the St James Priory Heritage Appeal to raise a further £2m.

If they raise £226,000 on top of the £800,000 already raised by Christmas it will release the lottery funding.

The money will be used for new facilities and open up the building to the community in a number of ways.

A new café and outside piazza area will be added for visitors to the city and the business community.

The north aisle will be converted to be used by business, schools and other organisations.

The internal layout of the building will be altered to provide more flexible space.

Trustee and chairman of the appeal, Brian Hanson, said: "We are hugely encouraged by the fantastic sum raised to date and are extremely grateful to those who have made a donation.

"However, we are not resting on our laurels and are focusing all our energy on meeting our Christmas deadline for the release of the HLF funding.

"I know the people of Bristol are very supportive and it would be a lovely Christmas present for the city if we could start 2009 confident in our ability to begin the work to save this hidden gem in our heritage."

Bristol West MP, Stephen Williams, is one of the appeal's enthusiastic supporters.

He said: "As a historian, I am delighted to lend my support to this hugely worthwhile project which will restore the fabric of our city's oldest building.

"As a representative of the community, however, I am even more excited by the potential the project offers for new facilities to meet the needs of so many groups and individuals in Bristol.

"The redevelopment will cater for visitors and residents alike and I urge the city to show their support for this Appeal."

More information about the appeal and a downloadable Gift Aid form can be found at www.stjamesappeal.org.uk.

Donations should be posted to: St James Priory Heritage Appeal, St James Priory, Whitson Street, Bristol. BS1 3NZ.