THE campaign to save Chorley's historic Bank Hall, featured in BBC Two's Restoration programme last year, received a major boost this week

The badly dilapidated Grade II* listed building has been given the green light for funding for its long-term survival.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £116,000 development cash towards detailed planning for a restoration scheme for the hall.

£1.6m has also been set aside for the scheme, if it receives the final go-ahead.

Bank Hall in Bretherton was made famous across the nation as the runner-up in the north west heat of Restoration, gaining more votes than the winners of other regional heats.

The building, which dates from the early 17th century, has gradually fallen into decline.

It is now in the highest risk category on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk register.

Its condition is so severe that this may well be the last chance to save it.

If plans for Bank Hall progress as expected, Heritage Trust North West would use heritage lottery money to repair and conserve the building, which would then be converted to residential use.

The Bank Hall Action Group has campaigned vigorously to save the building.

Tony Jones, Heritage Lottery Fund Regional Manager for the north west, said: "There's still some way to go, but there's now a real chance that the building can be saved as a source of pride for local people long into the future.'