A PROJECT to restore one of Redcar's most treasured buildings is £430,000 richer thanks to an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The money boosts the restoration fund of Sir William Turner's Hospital at Kirkleatham, which is to undergo a £1.6m facelift.

The project will see the original cottages enlarged, the flats remodelled and the buildings renovated.

Architectural experts have placed Sir William Turner's Hospital - a 325-year-old Grade I listed Georgian building - as in the top five buildings of its type in the country.

But Peter Sotheron, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said this brings its own problems when it comes to the restoration.

"To preserve the character and appearance of the building, we are not allowed to use standard replacement doors and windows. Everything must be a replica of the original, hence the extra cost of the work."

Mr Sotheron said: "Naturally we are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is able to support the programme together with the Housing Corporation. This gives us about £1.25m, which puts us well on our way to the £1.6m we need."

But Mr Sotheron said the trustees will probably have to borrow up to £200,000 to bridge the gap. "We don't have anyone raising money for us locally and that is part of the problem. People don't realise it has been running from hand to mouth for many years now," he said.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should call Mr Sotheran on (01642) 490401