Ripon has hit the jackpot once again, with another £1m grant on its way to help rejuvenate empty properties above the city's shops.

Decades of malaise finally came to an end last year when the community won £4m to invest in projects aimed at kick-starting the local economy and restoring the Market Place.

Since then, it has had to come to terms with the loss of the University College, relocating as many as 800 students to York, while efforts continue to find a new use for the campus.

But a successful application for £15,000 from the Single Regeneration Budget to cover the cost of breathing new life into empty buildings has opened more doors.

The Housing Corporation and Harrogate Borough Council have also agreed to contribute, taking the total set aside for the scheme to £1.65m.

"This is marvellous news for Ripon," said council leader, Geoff Webber.

"This specific funding for empty properties will not only improve the appearance of the city centre, but will also provide additional homes, bringing people back to live in the centre of the city, with many associated benefits for the whole community."

The £15,000 will help cover the cost of the first phase of the project, which includes surveys to establish which properties can be brought back into use.

The remainder of the money will then be made available in grants to invest in new homes.

The Leeds Federated Housing Association, Ripon Chamber of Trade, the voluntary sector and individual property owners will all be involved as the scheme develops.

Harrogate council's assistant housing director, Guy Wilman, said: "We are already seeing interest from property owners and, now that we have the resources to promote this initiative, I have no doubt we will see this significant capital investment making a real difference to the centre of Ripon.

"Advertising the scheme will increase awareness among local property owners that grants are available and the initial survey work, which will be done free of charge, will quickly identify which properties qualify under the scheme.''

To find out more, call (01423) 556891