Guisborough'S historic town centre could benefit from up to £750,000 after it was selected by English Heritage for a grant.

The town was among five in the North-East to win a grant from English Heritage's economic regeneration scheme (Hers).

Under the scheme, designed to regenerate run-down urban and rural areas, the town will receive £105,000.

Private funding, match funding and money from the local authority could see that figure increase to £750,000.

The scheme is aimed at commercial premises, as repairs to these types of buildings can help revive the economy of the area.

Alan Adams, conservation and design manager for Redcar and Cleveland Council, explained that in Guisborough they could see some of the cash spent on the Old Town Hall and buildings in Bowes Street.

He said the owners of the Old Town Hall had permission and listed building consent to convert the ground floor into a restaurant, and maintain the upper floors for offices.

Although this type of work could not be paid for through Hers, the building's decaying stone work, structural problems and damaged roof could be repaired with the cash.

"Hers is specifically for repairs and reinstatement of architectural features, not conversion or alterations. It's to tackle the historic fabric, but that is a key element in carrying out any works.

"Unfortunately, the town hall isn't accessible to the public, but if this scheme goes ahead it will bring it into a fuller use."

Owners of a number of properties in Bowes Street could also see the Hers cash as an incentive to carry out repairs.

Mr Adams said: "In Bowes Street, there are a number of properties which are under-used, have vacant upper floors or are in a poor state of repair; we are hoping these grants will be an incentive."

Other shops and businesses within the conservation area may also be eligible for some of the cash.

David Lovie, historic areas adviser for the North-East region for English Heritage, said that although money had already been spent on improving Guisborough town centre through the market town initiative scheme, some buildings still needed attention.

"The idea is to provide the finishing touches to Guisborough," he said.

"There are some buildings that need a bit of tender loving care. Some of the shop fronts could do with getting something more traditional; it's a handsome medieval town, so we want to create richness, not harsh contrast."

Figures from English Heritage show that for every £10,000 of its funding, £46,000 is generated from other sources.

Owners, or occupiers with responsibility for repair work to commercial premises can contact Mr Adams about the grants on 01287 612350.