PRESTON has been awarded a £20 million cash windfall to regenerate the town's most deprived areas.

The money, from the North West Development Agency, is designed to tackle social exclusion in the borough and to ensure residents have the relevant skills for local jobs.

It has been earmarked for Avenham and the town centre, and spending will be co-ordinated by the council.

A technology and learning centre is expected to be created at St Augustine's in Avenham and new community schemes could be on the cards for the Moor Lane area.

Preston's successful bid comes on the back of recommendations made by the government's Social Exclusion Unit.

Councillor Ken Cole, deputy leader of the council, said: "This news is brilliant for Preston.

"£20 million of funds along with the ability to attract further European grants will go a long way to tackle the long-standing problem of urban dereliction and people's exclusion."

"We are pleased with today's decision," added Kailash Parekh, chair of the Inner Preston Regeneration Partnership.

"We will support partnerships to deliver this meaningful social and economic regeneration programme."

A public consultation will take place over the next two months to make sure local residents are involved in the programme.