Conservation work has started on the ruins of a 15th century church dedicated to St Nicholas in Siggiewi.

The intention is to turn the site into an archaeological attraction and open it to the public.

Information panels will explain the history of the church and the sculptures will form part of a permanent display.

The work is being carried out by the Restoration Section of the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure.

The church was built soon after Siggiewi became a parish in 1436. Built in the form of a cross, the old parish church was situated next to a much older but smaller chapel dedicated to Our Lady. The chapel was eventually incorporated in the church.

Masonry from the church, which collapsed in the 17th century, was kept in Old Church Street.

Minister Ninu Zammit said that owing to the nature of the work and the state of the site, much of the restoration has to be carried out manually.

Speaking during a visit to the site, Mr Zammit said the ruins had lain abandoned for a long time and were used for an agricultural purpose.

Soil covering the lower parts of the church will be removed to enable conservators to carry on with the job.