Image: The first phase will restore the auditorium

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has confirmed its initial support towards a programme of "urgent conservation works" at Wilton's Music Hall in London's East End.

One of the world's last surviving grand music halls, 40 per cent of the property is currently out of bounds and the hall is included on English Heritage's 'At Risk' register.

Wilton's Music Hall Trust is planning to bring the facility back into use with a wide variety of community and learning activities, with the first phase to restore the main auditorium.

Funding for Stage One has already been secured, with the HLF bid to go towards a second and third phase of work comprising major repairs and conservation.

Artistic director Frances Mayhew said: "The race is now on to secure the remaining £600,000 to enable us to submit our next round application as early as spring 2013."

Details: www.hlf.org.uk