Coventry and Warwickshire was today handed a massive boost after it was announced that a £16 million grant was to be given to regeneration schemes across the area.

The money has been awarded from the Government’s Single Regeneration Budget (SRB), and will support initiatives in Coventry, Nuneaton and Leamington Spa.

The grant will be used to both physically and socially regenerate the selected schemes, which target a diversity of needs.

More than half of the money has been awarded to a six-year Coventry plan to encourage young people to realise their potential through a variety of education and employment initiatives.

It will offer work experience opportunities, community safety programmes, support for substance and alcohol abusers and access to leisure facilities.

Leamington Spa will be another area to greatly benefit from the announcement - nearly £4.5 million will be spent of transforming Leamington Old Town.

The money will be used to support and help the 14,000 people that the old town houses, and will compliment the current restoration programmes that are being carried out on many of the buildings.

There will also be a £800,000 cash injection to help young people make themselves more employable and open up more job avenues for them.

The scheme, which is Leamington-based, is also aiming to improve the suffering image of the manufacturing and engineering industries.

Camp Hill Village in Nuneaton is also set to be revitalised after being identified as the most deprived ward in Warwickshire.

Over £2 million will be injected into creating stronger community links throughout the village in an attempt to expand opportunities for residents, in a bid which is linked to the national urban villages programme.

The money will be spent on childcare facilities, training opportunities, anti-crime partnerships and energy efficiency improvements for homes.

Alex Stephenson, Chairman of Advantage West Midlands the regional agency that explores the bids, believes the money will make a huge difference to the area.

He said:

"These schemes will bring hope, safety and jobs to the areas most in need and we were overwhelmed by the high quality of final bids submitted.

"We would invite all applicants who have not been successful with their bids this time to explore with us how their proposals can be developed for the future."