A SCHEME that has helped to breathe life into a neglected part of Darlington is celebrating its third anniversary.

The £400,000 Northgate Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme is backed by One NorthEast and English Heritage and administered by Darlington Borough Council.

It is helping to restore the look of traditional buildings in an area stretching from Central House, in Northgate, to the High Northgate railway bridge, with grants to repair missing or damaged architectural detail.

Property owners can apply for grants of up to 65 per cent of the total cost of repair work.

The grants scheme is now entering its final stage and interested parties have until March next year to apply for financial aid.

Recent improvements have included the reinstatement of a traditional style shop front and two first floor bay windows at 172 Northgate, which has been turned into a soft play facility for children called Topoli Joe's.

For more information or to apply for grants contact Douglas Campbell at Darlington Borough Council on (01325) 388604.