ONE of Pendle's best known landmarks has been given a massive cash boost to help restore it to its former glory.

English Heritage has given a £204,000 grant to regenerate St Mary's Church, Manchester Road, Nelson.

Last night, councillors agreed the boundaries of a conservation area centred on the church which will help preserve it and the historic buildings around it.

John Kirk, services director at Pendle Council, said: "The future looks more hopeful for Nelson's key landmark.

"The conservation of St Mary's is part of a wider strategy to reverse the decline of one of Lancashire's most run-down areas."

This month the council is expected to declare the Nelson West housing renewal area which will bring £16 million of investment to the area around St Mary's.

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