MORE than £300,000 will be spent in a village centree, in an attempt to help the area restore some of its traditional characteristics.

Properties and public spaces surrounding Cornforth's 12th Century green, which is a conservation area, will be restored through a heritage-led regeneration project.

Public spaces will be enhanced and traditional features of buildings, including the listed Holy Trinity Church and the Square and Compass public house will be restored.

English Heritage will lead the project and, with partners Durham County Council, Sedgefield Borough Council and Cornforth Parish Council, has secured funding of more than £300,000 for the project.

Improvements will include reinstating traditional paving.

Grants will be available for the owners of historic properties towards restoration of traditional features, such as timber sash windows.

David Farrington, of English Heritage, said: "This is a terrific opportunity for the people of Cornforth to enhance the historic integrity of the village.

"This exciting project represents a substantial investment in the built environment of the village and will deliver real and lasting improvements to individual buildings, as well as the appearance of the community as a whole."

All eligible property owners have been contacted.

Work is expected to start on the first properties later in the autumn.

Rod Lugg, the county council's head of environment and planning, said: "We are very pleased that English Heritage has adopted the scheme, formulated by Durham County Council and Sedgefield Borough Council, to enhance the character of Cornforth Conservation Area by providing grants for historic building restoration and other public realm improvements that will benefit the local community."

Bill Kataky, the borough council's design and conservation manager, added: "Many of the eligible properties overlook the village green and are an integral part of the history and character of the village.

"Some have retained their original features but, in many instances, these traditional features have been lost or are in urgent need of repair."

He said the project should serve as an example for other conservation areas and other historic areas.