CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save part of a town's heritage have received a massive financial boost.

Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) chiefs have pledged £690,000 towards the redevelopment of Richmond's old station.

The Richmondshire Buildings Preservation Trust has launched a £2.3m appeal to turn the building into a business and community centre.

Jim Jack, chairman of the trust, said: "We believe that this will be seen as an historic week in the life of the project.

"We are enormously grateful for the faith which the Heritage Lottery has shown in the people of this area and our commitment to find a new life for an old building that we really cherish."

To secure the Lottery money, the trust must now put together a stage two application for funding, including a detailed plan for the future of the building.

A further £40,000 Lottery cash grant has also been awarded to help with this task.

Fiona Spiers, HLF regional manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "We are delighted to support this project as Richmond Station is such an important heritage resource for both local people and for visitors to the region, offering a wealth of history that covers many generations.

"We are very pleased to pledge this funding and look forward to working with Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust to work up the stage two application and continue to help the community to achieve their ambitions for Richmond Station."

Yorkshire Forward has already approved a £240,000 grant towards the project.

The trust also continues to raise money to hit its own £300,000 target for the restoration appeal.

Mr Jack said it was now vital this work continued at full steam.

"We really do need to increase our efforts to get the rest of the money in so the restoration can begin in earnest," he said.

"Hopefully this endorsement by the HLF will encourage private donors and businesses to become even more involved."

Plans for the building include the development of a conference area, which will also be used as a cinema during the evenings, office space, workshops, meeting rooms, a cafe and restaurant.