AN initiative to aid the regeneration of Richmond town centre has won a prestigious award. The Richmond Heritage Partnership Scheme has been declared best market town project in the Yorkshire and Humberside Action for Market Towns awards. The pilot scheme converts empty properties over shops in the North Yorkshire town into new offices.

Town centre buildings are also restored and shop fronts repaired. Since its launch in September last year, £600,000 has been spent on improvements.

Town manager Colin Grant said: "We are naturally delighted that this scheme has been recognised with a regional award.

"The scheme has not only tried to break the cycle of disuse and decay of upper floors common to many market towns, but over time will improve even further what is potentially one of the most attractive historic town centres in England."

The first offices converted under the scheme have now been let to local computer programming company, City Secret.

Martin Worner, City Secret's managing director, said: "We are delighted with the new offices. The business has always been in the town centre and the proximity to the shops and restaurants is important to our staff.

"In addition, there are a number of staff who walk to work which fits in with our ethos of minimising our impact on the environment."

The scheme was developed by the Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative (RSVCI) and Richmondshire District Council.

It has been supported by Yorkshire Forward through the Renaissance Market Towns Programme, along with English Heritage and North Yorkshire County Council.

Tracey Simpson, community project officer with the district council, said: "We are all very proud to have received this award.

"A lot of hard work has been undertaken by all involved and the scheme is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when the public and private sector works together."

Richmond district councillor John Harris added: "I think it's very encouraging for market towns and it's an excellent vote of confidence for Yorkshire Forward, the district council and the RSVCI."

The Richmond project will be now entered into the national contest.