WORK is under way on the first building to undergo a traditional makeover in a conservation area in north Durham.

The post office, in the Annfield Plain Conservation Area in West Road, is taking on a new look - thanks to a Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (Hers) building grant.

The building's modern, upstairs plain windows will be replaced by traditional sash windows, retaining the stone mullions and surrounds.

There will also be a new shop front, door, side window and sign.

Durham county councillor Michelle Hodgson, of the Annfield Plain Community Partnership, said: "Many of the buildings in Annfield Plain town centre are of architectural and historical interest and contribute to the character of the conservation area.

"But they have been neglected over the years, and lack of investment has resulted in limited repairs and inappropriate work or alterations.

"The Hers scheme is an important part of the process of improving the appearance of the town centre and encouraging investment."

Work at the post office, to be carried out by Roy Abbott Joiners, will improve the building by using quality materials, co-ordinating the colour scheme and including a timber-panelled door.

Coun Hodgson said: "Improvement work to the buildings ties in nicely with the work the county council is doing under the Hers environmental improvement scheme to improve the footways and general street scene in parts of Front Street, West Road and Station Road."

The building scheme provides grants to repair, restore and reinstate the structure, external appearance and architectural details of the shops and buildings in the town centre.

The scheme has been funded by Durham County Council's Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative, English Heritage and Derwentside District Council.

To apply for a grant contact Nicola Duckworth, at Dur-ham County Council, on 0191-383 4104.