Unicaja bank has said that it will pay for work needed to be done to the Nuestra Señora de Gracia convent in Vélez-Málaga, which is commonly known as Las Claras.

The bank, which currently holds the deeds to the building, has applied to the town hall for a licence requesting permission to modernise the 16th century convent so that it complies with health and safety laws to open it to the public. The move comes after campaigning by a citizens' group which is concerned about the future of the convent.