HISTORIC statues have been restored at a town hall which once straddled the boundary of Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Work has been completed on a significant overhaul for the grade I listed Todmorden Town Hall, which was first constructed in 1860 by John Gibson of Westminster.

Several figures echoing the town's heritage, including textile workers, a book-keeper, matriarchs representing the red and white rose counties, a blacksmith, corn harvesters and a shepherd, have been repaired on the Burnley Road and Halifax Road frontages.

Careful cleaning using traditional hand tools and water sprays was undertaken on the limestone edifices, with several 'roundel' windows, bearing the rose emblems, replaced with matching glass or spruced up, under the watchful eye of experts from Bullen Construction.

Cllr Scott Benton, Calderdale Council leader, said: "I'm delighted that the historic statues and windows have been given a new lease of life. The difference is amazing.

"Todmorden Town Hall is a magnificent building and now it looks even better, showcasing our rich local heritage for years to come."

Council bosses were handed £22,000 in landfill tax credits from WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited) towards the scheme, with contributions from borough and Todmorden Town Council also making contributions.

Cllr Marcus Thompson, communities cabinet member, said: "The town hall is a much-loved part of the community, and I'm thrilled that it has had the restoration that it deserves.

"This investment highlights our commitment to making the building a focal point for current and future generations. We've had fantastic feedback from local residents and visitors."

Town councillors and volunteers have been trying to advance plans to begin heritage tours of the venue, which had a ballroom which straddled the River Calder, until 1888 the official boundary between Lancashire and Yorkshire. Extra promotion is also being undertaken to promote the town hall as a location for weddings, balls and other celebrations.

The town hall, which has been surrounded by scaffolding over a number of months, has previously been the subject of an unsuccessful £5million Heritage Lottery Fund bid, which would have created a new mayor's parlour and civic reception area.