A council is to seek millions of pounds-worth of funding to reopen a 12th Century abbey in Berkshire.

Reading Abbey has been closed to the public for more than a year because the structure is too unsafe.

Reading Borough Council said a study to find out what work needed doing would cost £90,000 while the cost of repairs was estimated to reach about £3m.

If the funding bids are successful the abbey could be closed for up to five years while the work is completed.

The abbey was built in 1121 by Henry I who is reputed to be buried there.