THREE historic cottages in the centre of Kidderminster's Horsefair have been named as a finalist in this year's prestigious Historic England Angel Awards.

The Weavers' Cottages have been shortlisted as one of three finalists in the Best Rescue of a Historic Building category in the annual awards.

Long before Kidderminster was known for producing carpets, it was famous for spinning and weaving cloth. The three neglected Weavers' Cottages, in Horsefair, might not have looked much to passers-by, but the modest buildings have always held an important place in the town's history as a centre of the cloth industry.

Their rescue has replaced a thread that connects Kidderminster with this distinct way of life.

Kidderminster Civic Society successfully campaigned for the cottages to be given listed building protection and after years of endeavour, their rescue has been realised following sensitive repair and modernisation works carried out by the Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust.

The cottages are now for sale, with the proceeds to be used to repay some of the costs of the renovation.

Bob Tolley, a son of Kidderminster and trustee of Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, said: "We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for a prestigious Angel Award and grateful to National Lottery players and other funders, in particular the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Pilgrim Trust, whose support enabled us to carry out this project to save these cottages that were close to collapse.

"They have been made fit for modern use, are now on the market and can serve again as family homes for present and future generations to enjoy."

David Trevis-Smith, project organiser for the trust, said: "The cottages are located on a busy road and even passing motorists have said how it lifts their spirits to see the transformation.

"Hopefully, that will encourage other 'eyesore' buildings to be looked at differently and refurbished rather than demolished.

"This project could be a model for abandoned buildings in other places to be refurbished to modern standards to help tackle the housing shortage."

While the category winner will be decided by a panel of judges, each project is now seeking support to win a further award - the Historic England Followers' and Telegraph Readers' Favourite award.

Voting is now open, by visiting historicengland.org.uk/angelawards. Voting closes on November 5.