The Culture Minister visited a £3.7 million restoration project at Norton Priory on Friday.

Sajid Javid toured the ancient Runcorn monastic site with Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans and watched archaeologists excavating the 12th century medieval undercroft.

The Victorian tiles are being restored to their former glory with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Mr Javid said: “I'm really pleased that Graham invited me to see Norton Priory as it embarks upon this very exciting development.

“This should do wonders for Halton and is a great use of lottery money.”

Mr Evans said: “It’s incredible what the team is doing here. I am delighted that this investment will really help to boost tourism in the region.

“I’m positive it will become a must-see visitor attraction.”

The Monastery to Museum project will create a big glass atrium and bright, interactive exhibition space to interpret the site’s 900-year history.

Frank Hargrave, director of Norton Priory said: “We were delighted that Graham and Sajid were able to visit us at the start of the exciting redevelopment project.

“We were able to show what this kind of investment means to us and what it will mean to Halton, attracting tourism and boosting the local economy.”