THE tradition of bottling spring water from Holy Well may be revived as part of a £1.2m scheme to restore the Malvern Hills to their former glory.

Work should begin this month in the public well and sanctuary rooms, replacing old wiring, rotted floors and the marbled basin into which water flows.

The spout will be lit up and information boards erected, detailing the history of Malvern Water and the interesting geology of the hills.

A second phase of development will make Holy Well more of a visitors site, where walkers can have a coffee and learn more about Malvern and the Water Cure.

A small bottling plant could also be opened in the old bottling room, which has not been used for 15 years.

Mike Humm, who owns Holy Well with his wife Marianne, said: "The Holy Well is where Malvern water was originally bottled before it went over the hill to Colwall. We're trying to first of all to rescue the site and then move forward."

Rose Garrard, vice-chairman of the Malvern Spa Association, said: "It's a lot of hard work for us to maintain the nature of the site- to conserve it, not just restore it. It's a real thrill to see the site start to take shape."

Mrs Garrard said the Holy Well has special significance to local people, who often leave small token like flowers, conkers and feathers at the site. She is appealing for people with any memories or old pictures of the site to call her on 01684 569109.

Holy Well is being restored as part of the Malvern Heritage Project with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. St Anne's Well has been restored and work is continuing at The Clock Tower, North Malvern.