MORE than 40 projects have been identified to revive and regenerate Richmond.

They include plans to promote sustainable tourism and develop the town's role for shopping and business services.

In the longer-term they even include a scheme to harness the power of the River Swale to light up the town.

The Richmond Swale Valley Initiative has been described as an entirely new approach to market town regeneration.

The town was chosen by the Countryside Agency as the first for a pioneering study because of its rich history and landscape.

Over the past year a firm of consultants have been working with more than 40 local and regional groups to research and discuss ways to unlock those assets to help regenerate the town.

Local consultations have been held and the town will be using the results of the study to boost its recovery.

It will also be looking to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Europe for funding.

Town manager Colin Grant said the study would help them build on the town's inherent strengths.

"It will act as the key for unlocking significant new resources for the benefit of the town and surrounding areas," he said.

Ideas that have been given high priority include a new transport network to link the historic and visually striking sites along the Swale valley and in the town as well as help to reuse neglected sites and properties.

There are projects to raise awareness of the town's heritage and support for the further development of local nightlife. This will use the re-opening of the restored Georgian Theatre Royal as a centrepiece.

Other ideas include the creation of a local design guide to conserve the features that make the town unique and making Richmond a centre for outdoor pursuits.

Also regarded as important is ensuring that the town's social needs are met.

This includes providing crche and childcare facilities and supporting the needs and interests of residents of all ages.