St James Priory, a grade-I listed church built in 1129, has been awarded the money for vital repair and restoration work.

Located between Horsefair and the bus station, the church also now houses a drug rehabilitation project.

The award will also fund new training opportunities for    project residents.

The priory, which was originally founded by Benedictine monks to help the poorest and sickest people of the city, is of outstanding architectural and historic interest.

As well as now still celebrating Mass on a daily basis, the Catholic church is also home to the St James Priory Project, a residential drug rehabilitation centre.

The church reached a stage one in the award for £3m from the HLF in 2007, but then had to put together a second stage application as well as raising £2m of funding itself before the grant would be given.

An appeal campaign was launched to raise the money, which was supported by TV presenters Tony Robinson - himself a Bristol resident - and Kevin McCloud.

Channel 4 presenter McCloud said: "This is an important building - locally and nationally.

"It is a valuable, rare and ancient artefact that informs our understanding both of the history of Bristol and of Norman architecture."

Following successfully raising the required funds, the grant has now been awarded to the priory.

Speaking of the award Susan Jotcham, Director of St James Priory Project said: "This is absolutely fantastic news.

"For 16 years we have been hoping and praying that St James Priory could be saved from ruin. It's such a haven for all who come here..."

The money raised will now be used to help fund the restoration of the 12th Century building, as well as providing new training opportunities for residents of the project.

A new cafe and outdoor piazza area is also planned, as well as new access points and removal of unsightly additions to the building.