Historic homes and businesses in Helston are being given a facelift, thanks to a funding package designed to help restore them to their former glory.

The buildings are among those benefiting from the £1.35 million Helston Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), which provides grant assistance to the owners of historic properties in need of substantial repair, and ensures traditional construction methods and local materials are used.

Current projects include Wearne's jewellers in Meneage Street, where a replacement local slate roof and other work is being carried out, and the Seven Stars pub in Coinagehall Street, where work includes repairs to windows, re-constructed chimneys and re-decoration.

Restoration work is also being carried out at properties in Church Street and Cross Street.

The THI is administered and part-funded by Kerrier district council, with co-funders including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Objective One, Cornwall county council and Helston town council.

The average grant awarded under the scheme is about 60 per cent, with the remainder made up from private investment.

Kerrier councillors Graeme Hicks and Mark Kaczmarek, who have special responsibility for environment and regeneration, said: "This scheme is very important in ensuring that Helston's historic buildings are preserved for the future.

"Safeguarding the town's architecture and bringing space above town centre shops back into occupation will also help to keep Helston thriving for years to come."

Kerrier conservation officer Andrew Richards added: "The THI funds quality repairs using local materials and traditional methods. It will help bring back to life some superb buildings in Helston town centre."

Project manager Caius Simmons said there had been a "healthy" level of interest in the initiative and further grant applications were being considered.

Other property owners were invited to come forward to take advantage of the remaining grants, with the final submission date for applications being March 2007.

Further information is available from Mr Simmons on 01209 614037.