A fighting fund of government money can help revitalise one of Gloucester's historic city centre streets.

The government has announced that 69 High Streets across the country will be able to benefit from the new £95million fund.

Gloucester and Tewkesbury are two of the places that will benefit from the funding with Gloucester City council leader Paul James hailing it as "fantastic news."

Billed as the single-biggest investment in the UK's built heritage by the government, the money will be used to transform disused historic buildings in to use as shops, houses or community centres.

It is hoped that the funding will help traditional High Street businesses adapt better to compete with the trend of online shopping.

Councillor James said: "This is fantastic news for Westgate Street and the city centre as a whole.

"Westgate Street is our most complete historic street, with the Cathedral, The Fleece and a host of other heritage buildings.

"It does need some help to make it the jewel we know that it can be and I'm delighted we have been awarded this grant funding to help it reach its full potential.

"The award also includes funding for The Fleece, which will boost the efforts we are already making to regenerate this important site."

According to the government, online competition is putting High Streets across the country under growing pressure and the fund will help breathe new life into historic towns and cities.

The initiative is being funded by £40million from the Department of Digitial, Culture Media and Sports Heritage High Street Fund.

There is a further £52million from the Minstry of Housing Communities and Local Government's Future High Street Fund. The National Lottery Heritage Fund will provide a further £3million.

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan said: "Our nation's heritage is one of our great calling cards to the world, attracting millions of visitors to beautiful historic buildings that sit at the heart of our communities.

"It is right that we ensure these buildings are preserved for future generations but it is important that we make them work for the modern world.

"This £95 million will help breathe new life into high streets all over England, benefiting businesses, supporting our much-loved buildings and helping to make our communities more attractive places to live, work and visit."

Historic England's Chief Executive, Duncan Wilson added: "Our high streets are the beating hearts of our communities.

"Many have roots that go back hundreds of years. Their historic buildings and distinctive character tell the story of how our towns and cities have changed over time.

"They are places where people come together to socialise, shop, run businesses and be part of their local community, but now they face an uncertain future.

"Through physical improvements and cultural activities, we will work with partners to find new ways to regenerate our high streets.

"It is a challenge, but with our experience and track record, as well as the knowledge and passion of local councils, businesses and community groups our historic high streets can be thriving social hubs once more."

Gloucester and Tewkesbury are two of nine conurbations to have been awarded the funding in the South West.

The full fund in the South West adds up to £13.7million.