GRADE II listed buildings in Preston are to be improved thanks to a £20,640 grant from the town's council and English Heritage.

Among the buildings earmarked for a face-lift is 12 Frenchwood Street, Preston, which is currently in a poor state of repair and detracting from the appearance and character of the area.

Another property to be restored to its former glory includes 49 West Cliff which is situated on a row of 19th century listed buildings.

The building is to be re-pointed and will have traditional sash windows reinstated as well as the repair and reinstatement of original cast iron balconies.

The restoration work is part of a comprehensive programme to restore the building to a domestic dwelling along with 51 West Cliff, in the same terrace, which is to have walls re-pointed, stone gutters re-leaded and new windows.

The Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme will see a total £390,000 invested in listed building over the next three years with 50-per cent funding from English Heritage and Preston Borough Council.

To qualify for financial assistance the Grade II listed buildings must all display some architectural or historical interest such as many of the premises in the Avenham and Fishergate Hill areas of Preston.

Councillor Ron Atkins, chairman of Preston Borough Council's planning committee, said: "We're pleased to help restore the listed buildings, and return them to their former glory.

"This scheme is acting as a catalyst to help the town's improvement and we would like to thank English Heritage for their continued support.

"Three individual grant schemes have been approved this week but this is only the tip of the iceberg. Many more are in the pipeline, and with a commitment from the residents, the Borough Council and English Heritage towards restoring the area we should see a great deal of improvement. We are at the start of an exciting programme and hopefully very soon the green shoots of regeneration will begin to show through."

Advice on the traditional repair of listed buildings and the availability of the HERS grant can be obtained from Paul Mason on 906594.