RESIDENTS in the Poulton area of Morecambe are celebrating after winning a £6,500 grant to research local history.

The delighted residents are one of the first groups in the country to benefit from a Local Heritage Initiative Grant and the money will be used to enhance Poulton's arched stone doorway and to produce an interpretation panel.

It is hoped that the Poulton project will involve local people in conserving a part of their heritage and encourage children to respect the doorway and local history.

Chairman of Poulton Residents Association, Mike Ellis, said: "We were all very excited when we found out about the award. It will enable local people and visitors alike to learn about the original area of Morecambe. It will give a huge lift to the area and be a focal point for the new Poulton Renewal Project."

North West Adviser Susannah England said: "The Local Heritage Initiative recognises that the long term future of our local heritage lies in the hands of those who value it at local level. Even a small grant can make a vital difference to a local community and we are actively seeking enquiries from local groups in Lancashire for funding for heritage work."

It's been a good week for the area with Poulton being formally declared a Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

The move will be discuss at a meeting at Green Street Methodist Church tonight, August 31, at 7pm.

Chairman of Private Housing, Cllr Greg Beaman, said: "We have been very pleased with the response from the community so far. People have been really enthusiastic about the renewal area. This is an opportunity for them to now get involved and help direct Poulton's future. We hope anyone who's interested and who has time and energy to spare will come along."