SWINDON'S Mechanics Institute could be saved by a Pop Idol style TV show that is being launched to raise awareness about Britain's crumbling architectural treasures.

The BBC2 series Restoration will focus on historic buildings and raise money to save the winning entry.

It coincides with the release of English Heritage's annual report Register of Buildings at Risk 2002, which reveals that 1,542 listed buildings around England are at risk of falling down.

The list includes the Mechanics, which has gradually slid into dereliction since it closed in 1960.

The 133-year-old structure needs £2 million worth of repairs but could benefit if viewers taking part in regional heats over 10 weeks decide it is one of their favourite endangered buildings. The overall winner will be restored from cash raised by the programme.

Martha Parry, of the New Mechanics Institute Preservation Trust, which wants to see the building turned into a theatre, cinema, conference centre and youth facility, today pledged to lobby the programme makers to feature the Mechanics.

Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said: "Buildings at risk are an invaluable part of our lives and culture.

"They are not just castles and stately homes but familiar landmarks, public halls, old pubs and houses that define the character and appearance of our streets.

"Losing these through neglect and decay changes the way a town, city or village looks forever and squanders its most valuable assets.

"These buildings are both our history and our future."

Veronique Smith, a spokeswoman for English Heritage, said today it was too early to say whether the Mechanics Institute would be included in the show, but a shortlist of buildings was being compiled.

Martha Parry said: "It should be a good candidate for inclusion because it's such a popular cause.

"We will be speaking up for the Mechanics and if it makes it onto the programme we will be asking the people of Swindon to rally to the cause and make sure they vote.

"It is one of the most popular buildings in the region and should attract a lot of support."

Swindon Council will soon discuss a report which has called for the Institute to be put in public or charitable hands after spending the last five months considering the £25,000 architect's study.

It stated that £150,000 was needed to be spent on the former library and concert hall just to maintain its present condition.

The study recommended the council tell the owner of the Mechanics, Mountmead Ltd, to carry out the work immediately. Otherwise it will do the work itself and the company would have to pay the bill.

The first register of at-risk buildings was compiled in 1991 and two former railway buildings, including the Mechanics Institute and the Chain Test House in Rodbourne Road have been on the list for several years, and designated as being in need of urgent attention.

Both buildings are Grade II* listed but are described as being in poor condition.

The 1873 Chain Test House is a rare example of a former railway works.