Grantham has been confirmed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of 50 extra towns in line to benefit from the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund.

It will join 50 successful areas already shortlisted to develop plans to reinvent and breathe life back into their high streets.

The funding could be used to improve transport and access into the town centre, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and invest in vital infrastructure.

The extension to the shortlist comes on the back of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund announced last month, which included an additional £325 million for the Future High Streets Fund, taking the overall Fund to £1 billion as the Government looks to drive forward local growth.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Our high streets are right at the heart of our communities, and I will do everything I can to make sure they remain vibrant places where people want to go, meet and spend their money.

"But with our town centres facing challenges, we're today expanding the High Streets Fund to support over 100 high streets to regenerate – backed by £1 billion of vital investment.

"This scheme is going to re-energise and transform even more of our high streets – helping them to attract new businesses, boost local growth, and create new infrastructure and jobs."

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP added: "High streets have a crucial role to play as we work to grow the economy of all parts of the country.

"Our £1 billion Future High Streets Fund is key to delivering this, empowering local leaders to help transform their high streets and town centres as consumer habits change, by investing in housing, workplaces, infrastructure and culture.

"Interest in the Fund has been huge, and with so many strong applications, I am extending the number of towns moving forward to the next phase and getting a chance to develop their proposals."

Successful candidates will progress to the second phase of the Future High Streets Fund and receive up to £150,000 to support the development of detailed project proposals that can be submitted for capital funding.

The scheme was launched in December 2018 and is a key part of the Government's plan to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that drives economic growth and sustainably improves living standards."