THE £1.2m restoration of the former Lye and Wollescote Cemetery Chapels has been shortlisted for a prestigious Historic England award.

Now known as the Thomas Robinson building, the Grade II-listed chapels lay disused and falling into disrepair for over a decade before the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust stepped in to save them from demolition.

But as part of their extensive renovation, the project has been nominated for an ‘Angel Award’ which celebrate the efforts of individuals and local groups who put hours of hard work and enthusiasm into saving derelict or damaged historic landmarks and bringing them back to life.

Sue Whitehouse, chairman of the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust said: “We owe so much to the support of local people throughout this project. There were times when the project stalled and the community kept us on our toes.

“Our builders, from Croft Building Conservation, not only brought their tremendous craft skills to the project but were so welcoming on community open days organising site tours and demonstrations.

“All of the team have been so supportive and if we win the award it will be for everyone involved.

“We are especially grateful to the Architectural Heritage Fund for putting us forward for this opportunity to win such a prestigious award.”

Restoring the building, which is now home to the Stourbridge Registry Office, was made possible following a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Members of the public can vote for the restoration, under the award’s ‘Best Community Action Project’ category, before Wednesday, October 12.

To vote visit www.historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/angel-awards/shortlist-2016/