A GROUNDBREAKING new approach has been launched on recording the condition of Worcester's historic buildings.

Worcester Civic Society, the heritage watchdog, has teamed up with the city council to use smart phones and tablets to catalogue the condition of Grade II listed buildings.

The novel scheme has the backing of Historic England and aims to keep ever-closer tabs on the old properties, statues and other structures which make up Worcester.

The data from it will be fed into the Government's understanding of historic UK buildings and shape any changes to Worcester's own 'Heritage at Risk' register.

Phil Douce, chairman of Worcester Civic Society said: “The society encourages the preservation and protection of Worcester’s historical environment, so I am very pleased to support this innovative approach to recording the condition of our Grade II listed buildings.

"Our members and volunteers have been out on the streets of our city armed with their smart phones and tablets to make an important contribution to this important project to catalogue the state of our heritage."

Those taking part are handed lists of sites to survey and asked assess their condition, looking for problems like crumbling brickwork or water damage.

It comes as city council chiefs admit keeping tabs on all of Worcester's 900-plus Grade II listed sites is a "major challenge".

Paul O'Connor, development services manager, said: "We’re committed to safeguarding Worcester’s heritage, so we’re delighted to have been able to get involved in this exciting scheme.

"The information collected by volunteers will make it easier to keep our register up to date, enabling us to work with the owners of Grade II listed properties to ensure those buildings are preserved for future generations to enjoy."

The most recent register was published in 2013 and recorded 56 historic buildings and structures being at risk, as well as classing another 102 as vulnerable.

When a site is added to the register, council officers try and work with the owners to have the buildings repaired and restored.

In recent years their work has included providing guidance on materials and restoration to buildings such as the lock keeper’s cottage in Diglis and the Paul Pry pub, The Butts.