A TOWN centre regeneration project has been granted another £80,000 from Historic England.

The work to upgrade Lower St James Street in Burnley will receive the cash as part of the government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme.

The grant will be used to improve and bring back into use disused and dilapidated buildings, restore local historic character and improve the public realm.

It will also pay for artworks and cultural activities in the Burnley High Street Heritage Action Zone area.

These will include an annual commission to explore the town's alternative histories; a weekender to celebrate Burnley talent; and surprise encounters with innovative art in new and unexpected places, indoors and out.

Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham said:“I am delighted that Burnley has received £80,000 funding from Historic England for cultural activities on our high street, as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone.

"Lower St James Street has a long history dating back centuries, and was once a bustling area of the town.

"It is in dire need of rejuvenation and so this new funding grant is a welcome step to making sure that we support the regeneration of this part of our town centre providing further evidence that we are now getting the focus we need from public bodies and government for improvements into our area.”

In September last year Burnley Council received £1,261,420 from the High Streets Heritage Action Zone for the renovation of historic Victorian buildings on Lower St James' Street.