TWO heritage landmarks in Purbeck have received more than £500,000 funding, as part of the government's latest round of its £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

The Swanage Pier Regeneration Project has been awarded £469,000 from the fund, and the Rex Cinema in Wareham is set to receive £52,606.

Both institutions have been significantly affected by the coronavirus lockdowns.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax, welcoming the Swanage Pier grant, said: "This is welcome news for Swanage Pier Regeneration Project.

"This fading Victorian gem has long been a focal point in Swanage and these funds will help it create a sustainable future.

"I congratulate the pier trust chairman Ben Adeney and his colleagues on winning this grant and wish them every success.

"The pandemic has badly affected a wide number of regeneration and restoration projects, with maintenance costs soaring and delays threatening their very survival in some cases.

"I am delighted that the government was able to step in to ensure that Swanage Pier will continue to enrich the lives of residents and visitors in future."

Meanwhile, the Rex Cinema is one of 33 cinemas across England to benefit from £5million awarded by the BFI, as part of the Culture Recovery Fund.

Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI said: “Across the country, local independent cinemas are lifelines for communities and often the only form of culture and entertainment.

"As well as bringing people together to enjoy the magic of the big screen, local cinemas are hubs for educational and film activities and provide thousands of jobs.

"The pandemic has made clear just how important local communities are and the support of the Culture Recovery Fund means that many cinemas will be able to reopen and play a vital role in local economies and regeneration."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:“From restoring Georgian lidos and Roman baths to saving local screens and synagogues, our Culture Recovery Fund is helping to save the places people can’t wait to get back to, when it is safe to do so.

“All over the country, this funding is protecting the venues that have shaped our history and make us proud of our communities, whilst safeguarding the livelihoods of the people that work in them.”