The Old King’s Head, in Kirton, Lincolnshire, dates back to 1599 and is Grade II listed. Currently vacant and in urgent need of repairs, HLF's Heritage Enterprise grant of more than £2million will enable the building to be brought back into use, providing jobs, traineeships and a boost to local tourism.

Charity Heritage Lincolnshire has received the funding to secure the future of the building and see it repaired, refurbished and revived as an artisan café and boutique bed and breakfast.

[quote=Liz Bates, Chief Executive of Heritage Lincolnshire]“We’re delighted that HLF has supported this project - The Old King's Head is a very important building that is at risk from dereliction.”[/quote]

Heritage Lincolnshire also plans to explore how the building developed over the centuries. This will involve volunteers, who will undertake a full assessment of the building fabric and documentary research. They will also help to collect local people’s memories and maybe even a few ghost stories.

Liz Bates, Chief Executive of Heritage Lincolnshire, said: “We’re delighted that HLF has supported this project - the Old King's Head is a very important building that fell into disrepair and is now at risk from dereliction.”

Ben Greener, HLF Historic Environment Policy Advisor, added: “By bringing much-loved but derelict buildings back into use as viable businesses, Heritage Enterprise projects provide an economic shot-in-the-arm for places which need it most. And this project is a great example of how HE investment transforms a potential eyesore into an economic asset - bringing jobs and investment to Kirton, Boston and beyond.”

A wide range of projects across the UK have benefited from over £80m of Heritage Enterprise funding since 2013, helping to create attractive, thriving spaces for business and enterprise that people want to work and invest in.