A number of projects to regenerate town centres across the UK have been earmarked a share of £14m by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Forming part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), a total of 11 towns are in line to benefit from community schemes after being handed first-round passes. The largest share - worth more than £2m - has been set aside for a scheme to revitalise Middleton and Edgar Wood, Greater Manchester, which includes £50,000 development funding.

Stockton-on-Tees is set to receive nearly £1.8m; Portmorlais in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales is in line for more than £1.6m; and Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, will net nearly £1.5m. Other funding recipients will include projects in Tower Hamlets, London; Portaferry, Northern Ireland; Anstruther, Fife; Lower Kirkgate, Leeds; Cefn Mawr, Wrexham and Bedford.

Camborne in Cornwall is also among the schemes to receive a first-round pass, which will enable each project to further work on proposals to secure the full grant allocation. HLF chief executive Carole Souter said: "The Heritage Lottery Fund is proud to be playing a key role in helping to revitalise these once thriving towns. The benefits are far reaching.

"This investment will help support local authorities and residents to transform their towns, making essential improvements and repairs that will encourage local businesses and visitors back into these historically vibrant areas." Image: Anstruther in Fife, Scotland, will be one town centre to benefit