A major investigation into Abingdon's historic abbey could go ahead after the offer of a 55,000 National Lottery grant.

The Vale of White Horse District Council will receive the cash, which represents 75 per cent of the amount needed, if its policy committee agrees to find the remaining 25 per cent.

It would enable a feasibility study on whether the old abbey could be excavated and mapped out on the Abbey Meadows, creating a focal point for tourists.

This would link with a wider scheme to improve car parking and install children's play equipment in the area.

The policy committee will decides on Wednesday whether to start the ambitious project to investigate the abbey, which was the largest in England until it was dissolved by Henry VIII. If it decides to go ahead, it would pave the way for a second Lottery application for 675,000 to map out the abbey on the ground, creating a new tourist attraction. At present, only a plaque marks where the abbey stood.

Vale council leader Paul Bizzell has hailed the project as an exciting developments for Abingdon.

He said: "The abbey is an important piece of Abingdon's history. Abingdon is, literally, the 'Abbey town'. It represents how the town came into existence. For the sake of preserving our history it is important in its own right.

"But it has wider implications. We are trying to improve the whole area and rejuvenate the town. This is one way to do that."