MORE historic buildings and landmarks showing signs of the ravages of time are highlighted on an "at risk" list published by English Heritage today.

Hundreds of ruins, monuments and follies, as well as buildings still in use across the North-East are already included in the catalogue, which is updated annually by the Government agency.

This year's list includes the Stephenson Engine Works, the New Tyne Theatre in Newcastle and the Freeman's Town Hall in Alnwick.

However, the fenced-off remains of an old racecourse grandstand overlooking Richmond, North Yorkshire, was chosen for the county's launch of the fifth Buildings At Risk list yesterday.

Built in 1777, the last remaining example of York architect John Carr's work was partly demolished by Richmondshire Borough Council in the 1970s.

However, the former local authority's successor is now to work with English Heritage on research that could led to the ruin's eventual repair - or even its complete restoration.

"We will be offering a small grant to Richmondshire District Council so it can carry out a conservation plan," said English Heritage historic buildings architect Giles Proctor.

"It is not impossible that someone will look at the whole racecourse and identify a long-term solution, either for the ruins or even the reconstruction of the grandstand, as long as there is a viable use for the building."

Meanwhile, work at a colliery museum in County Durham was highlighted as a success story.

The eastern winding house and the shaft head building at Woodhorn are in need of urgent repair, but English Heritage's North-East regional director, Peter Bromley, said a partnership with the community had already had positive results.

Buildings at risk in the North-East

NORTH YORKSHIRE: The grandstand at the old racecourse, Richmond; Ray Wood Walls, Castle Howard; the Old Gatehouse, Jervaulx Park, Wensleydale; Holgate House, York.

NORTHUMBERLAND: Free-man's Town Hall, Alnwick; Linnels Mill, Linnels, Hexhamshire Low Quarter.

TYNE AND WEAR: Hollinside Fortified Hall House, Clockburn Lane, Whickham; 2 Eldon Square, Newcastle; The Custom House, Quayside, Newcastle; Stephenson Engine Works, South Street, Newcastle; The New Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle; the former caretaker's flat, Branding House, Gosforth Park, North Gosforth.