A RUN-DOWN listed cinema building is expected to have a starring role in the regeneration of one of Scotland's most deprived areas, it was announced yesterday.

More than - pounds20,000 was awarded to residents in the Govan area of Glasgow to begin the environmental project which will start with the restoration of the former Lyceum cinema.

A local housing group used a photograph from the 1940s of the picture house, located at the corner of on Govan Road and McKechnie Street, to return it to its former glory with a new facade.

Govan Housing Association will also use the Communities Scotland cash to improve the appearance of Shaw Street and Rosneath Street, and an area of common space in Langlands Road.

The clean-up will involve painting empty shopfronts in Shaw Street, graffiti removal, powerwashing pavements and streetscapes, and replacing old shrubs and trees.

Shona Stephen, Communities Scotland director for Glasgow, said: "The improvements that will take place over the coming months will benefit Govan residents by providing a more attractive environment in which to live, work and socialise."

Bill Bonnar, community development officer with Govan Housing Association, said the improvements were part of a process aimed at making Govan a more attractive place to live.

"This includes improving the way Govan looks both to its own community and to visitors, " he said. "The banner idea represents a short term solution for not a lot of money and hopefully will spark interest in the long term future of the building "It is hoped that as a whole, the environmental improvements will give people a sense of pride and ownership in their area, especially as residents will be involved in the work."

Georgina Hay, who lives across from the cinema, and is in her sixties, said: "I remember going to the cinema as a child.

It brings back lots of memories of what it used to look like."