PRESTON is to get a share of a £21.6million Government package to regenerate deprived areas of the town.

The cash is part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme, a national strategy launched earlier this year which aims to turn around 88 designated areas across the country.

Areas to be targeted in Preston include Avenham, Brookfield, Deepdale, Fishwick, Ribbleton, Central and St Matthews. No areas in South Ribble have been allocated a share of the cash.

Preston was allocated £5.6million from the scheme earlier this year which has already helped to fund out-of-school clubs, counselling services and the town's Green Gym.

The main focus of the initiative is housing, education and health, and the latest round of funding will help those involved in running the scheme -- including residents, Preston Borough Council, Lancashire County Council and representatives from the public and voluntary sectors -- to gain the skills and knowledge to make a difference to their communities.

Almost half the Government money - £10million - will go towards the existing Community Learning Chests to provide grants of up to £5,000 to people and organisations who want to access training and advice, or to finance study visits.

Announcing the funding Regeneration Minister Lord Falconer said: "Our challenge now is to help everyone involved by giving them the tools to make a difference. This means sharing experience of what works - and what doesn't. It also means ensuring that learning is accessible to people with limited resources."

Kate Thorp, co-ordinator of the Inner Preston Regeneration Project (IPRP) which runs the scheme in Preston, said: "Anything that brings money into the town is good news and it's nice that we don't have to spend a huge amount of time bidding for the money and that the Government has recognised that Preston needs the money and has made sure we have got it."

The IPRP will be holding a number of 'Have Your Say' days in the New Year. For more information contact Kate Thorp on 01772 882161.