HISTORICAL buildings in the North-East which are falling to wrack and ruin could be saved if residents get involved in a conservation drive.

To coincide with the latest BBC2 series of Restoration, two of the UK's conservation bodies are offering advice and funding assistance to help rescue buildings from ruin.

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) and the UK Association of Preservation Trusts (APT) are asking people interested in rescuing local buildings of historical or architectural interest to get involved.

Buildings which could be eligible for funding must be either listed, or in a conservation area and there must be a new long-term community use for the building.

So far, 38 Building Preservation Trust projects have been supported in the North-East and North Yorkshire, providing a total of £6.5m in grants and loans, including the Friarage Manor House in Friar Street, Hartlepool, which has been offered £7,000 towards restoration work, and Richmond Railway Station Building which has been offered more than £10,000.

Ian Lush, AHF chief executive, said: "It is vital that those interested in rescuing a building find a really good and viable new use for it that will ensure the building's long term future and, wherever possible, enable it to play a part in building a strong and vibrant community.

"Many 'at risk' buildings have huge potential to create jobs, new homes and much-needed community facilities.

"All of this can in turn help to revitalise run down areas or simply improve people's immediate surroundings and quality of life."

For more information, contact the AHF on 0207 925 0199 or the APT on 0207 930 1629.