Campaigners hoping to restore a seafront landmark have been boosted by the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Friends of Leas Pavilion (FLP) previously launched an online fundraising campaign to save the building, and now they have been awarded £10,000 for a start up fund for its restoration.

They are seeking to get a 100-year lease for the work to the grade-II listed pavilion, and have already raised more than £6,000 in the first phase of their efforts.

Now the extra £10,000 will help them to get legal advice to get a lease from the current owners Churchgate Folkestone Ltd, and establish a community benefits society which will allow them to issue share capital to the public.

They want to be able to offer a heritage space that can be used history and arts groups as well as a space for community organisations, while certain sections will be dedicated to creative industries to promote economic growth.

FLP chairman Liz Mulqueen said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and are confident the project will be keenly supported by local people, as has been demonstrated by their enthusiastic response to the crowdfunding.”

The pavilion itself dates back to 1902, when it was built as an Edwardian Tea Room, and was frequented by officers and troops during the First World War.

To donate to the Crowdfunding page, click here.