LANCASHIRE fire stations are in line for a facelift after being given almost £2million in government grants.

The award, slightly less than that given to Essex, Kent and Greater Manchester, is part of a £78million government handout to fire authorities across England for capital improvements.

It is in addition to a £12million Private Finance Initiative scheme to build four new fire stations in Lancashire.

In the grants announced this week, Lancashire Fire Authority has been given £1.9million over the next two years, in portions of £800,000 and £1.1million.

The government said the cash could be used for small refurbishments, major building works or other capital projects.

Fire Minister Sadiq Khan said: "This investment for the fire services' estate gives them all the opportunity to upgrade their buildings.

"This is additional money to every single fire and rescue authority in the country.

“Each area will be able to decide for itself whether this extra money is used to tackle the more serious repairs, replacements or upgrades, or provide additional facilities such as those for female firefighters, or those for the community in helping spread the fire safety message across all age groups.

"This additional money builds on the £500million allocated through the PFI programme over the last 10 years and signals Government's continuing commitment to the Fire and Rescue Service."

The PFI project, which will eventually cost £52million over 25 years including millions of pounds in interest payments, will see new fire stations built in Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley and Fleetwood.