A PROJECT to restore one of Redcar's most treasured buildings has received £430,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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

The houses were built in 1670 to provide sheltered housing for 20 men and women. The building has also been a home to orphans, but is now a warden-controlled home to a group of elderly people.

The project for the Grade One listed building was endorsed by Prince Charles when he visited the Almshouses in June. The Prince is President of the National Association of Almshouses.

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

Architectural experts have placed Sir William Turner's Hospital as being among 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."

Mr Sotheron said he was pleased with the Lottery award.

"Naturally, we are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is able to support the programme, together with the Housing Corporation, and this gives us about one and a quarter million pounds which puts us well on our way to the £1.6m we needed."

But Mr Southeron said the trustees will probably have to borrow up to £200,000 to bridge the gap to the total needed for the project. He says this is because the Almshouses has no organised fundraising.

"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."

Work on the project is expected to start at the end of October.

Anyone wanting to donate money to the Almshouses restoration project should call Peter on (01642) 490401.