A bid for £1m Historic England funding has been made to restore North Walsham's town centre.

Cash from its Heritage Action Zone funding scheme would pay to restore its historic character with a particular focus on Market Place and adjoining roads.

Funding would support town centre regeneration by improving accessibility, highlighting the town's heritage and encouraging cultural activities.

A decision on the bid is anticipated in the autumn. If successful, a programme design phase would follow, entailing further community engagement and consultation preceding the start of the project in April 2021.

The bid has been put in by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), working with North Walsham Town Council, Regenerate North Walsham CIC and other community partners.

Virginia Gay, member for North Walsham Market Cross and NNDC portfolio holder for culture and wellbeing, said: "Our hope is that North Walsham will benefit both economically and culturally, welcoming residents, the surrounding communities and visitors alike. It was very inspiring to see so many people come together in support of our application."

The proposal would complement the planned improvements to the town's St Nicholas Court precinct, which was awarded £100,000 through the NNDC Market Town Initiative.