EAST Lancashire could be set for a regeneration cash windfall after the Government announced £1bn funding for the Elevate project.

The Government revealed that the 12 housing market renewal projects in the North of England and the Midlands would share the money between 1008/12.

It has not been announced how much Elevate East Lancashire will receive, but bosses have welcomed the news.

Elevate is a scheme which aims to revitalise the area by replacing or improving rundown housing and also bring new developments.

Elevate Chief Executive Max Steinberg said: "This is excellent news.

"We will be working with all our partners and local residents to ensure we receive the funding needed to build in our successes and help create neighbourhoods for the future."