THE Tavistock-based Robey Trust, which has its engineering heritage and restoration centre at Pixon Lane, is set to benefit from a £47,988 grant from a Biffa Award.

The trust's development project will include the creation of an area dedicated specifically for the restoration, assembly and maintenance of large items of engineering heritage, such as stationary engines, as well as a hands-on training area for the development of engineering and other skills.

The creation of a specialised space will also permit the demonstration of stationary engines in the collection.

The planned relocation of the restoration activities to a dedicated, secure location will not only create facilities where safety-critical operations can be carried out, with enhanced opportunities for education and training, but will also allow the main auditorium at the centre to be laid out for an enhanced visitor experience.

David A Davies, trustee and board member of the Robey Trust, said: 'This project puts the Robey Trust in the forefront of organisations restoring items of our engineering heritage in England.'

John Hatchek, the trust's education officer, added: 'At last we will be able to fulfil our educational aims of furthering knowledge and teaching practical skills, from schoolchildren to those seeking to enhance their qualifications and employability.'

The Biffa Awards, by the waste management company, are from its multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to community and environmental projects across the UK.

Cath Hare, the Biffa Award acting programme manager, said: 'The Robey Trust Ltd project will help to protect our cultural heritage by enabling skilled people not only to carry out vital restoration and maintenance work, but also to share and teach those skills for the benefit of future generations. The project will also engage visitors and we are pleased to support it.'