HISTORIC buildings in Ryedale are to be spruced up and regenerated thanks to a major funding boost from English Heritage.

Malton, Norton, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside are all set to get a share of more than £1 million cash for the whole of Yorkshire.

The cash boost of £120,000 is being made available to help regenerate the towns after last year's foot and mouth epidemic.

English Heritage bosses say Ryedale could eventually attract up to £696,000 under the scheme, with match funding from other grant sources.

Under the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme, Ryedale towns will receive £40,000 annually for the next three years.

Owners of historic buildings in all four towns will be invited to apply for a share of the cash to help regenerate and preserve them.

"All four conservation areas suffer from limited investment, vacant and under-used properties and a loss of historic character," said a spokeswoman from English Heritage.

"The tourism industry has suffered decline since the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

"The scheme will focus on conservation-led regeneration and raising awareness of conservation in tackling decline."

Priority will be given to work owners of buildings would not normally consider, she said.

"One project for example will be the treating of crumbling stonework in Pickering to extend the life of the stone," she said.

"Another important target is reinstating traditional features such as shop fronts, windows and doors.

"For every £100,000 of funding there will be an extra £480,000 generated from other sources."

The funding was approved after an application from Ryedale District Council.

Coun Allin Jenkins welcomed the announcement as a boost for the area.

"Hopefully building owners will see the benefits of other projects like this which have been carried out and apply for funding," he said.

"It is good news for those buildings which need attention and will improve certain areas of the towns."

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, April 03, 2002