Proud tiler Colin Washington earned listed building status for his Pembroke home yesterday and from April on, others can get financial help for similar projects.

Government ministers Arthur Hodgson and Alex Scott visited Mr. Washington at his Grace Lane home to pay tribute to his 11-year labour of Love.

Mr. Washington has worked nearly every night and weekend on Ocean House and calculates the effort has cost him around $400,000 in materials and time.

Now, Government is working out a scheme with the banks to help make such historical projects more viable.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said: "We are providing incentives. There is $75,000 in the budget which will assist people in interest payments on bank loans.'' Once the plan has been finalised, the Ministry of Environment will write to all owners who either objected or made comments about a proposed listing or who didn't reply to the 1998 consultation.

National Trust President Henry Ming said: "We back this scheme 100 percent.

"We would encourage anyone to look into this and I suspect more people will look into buying buildings with architectural significance.'' "Perhaps later you will find the government looking into purchasing these houses to hold on to the culture value and architectural history they have.'' And he praised the care Mr. Washington took in keeping the renovation authentic by resisting the temptation to make everything straight and neat.

Mr. Ming said: "In those days things weren't so flat. It's those details which make or break restoration and renovation.'' And Mr. Ming said he wanted to dispel the myth that the listing of buildings harmed their value -- he said the reverse could be the case.

"Mr. Washington has brought this home into 21st century while retaining it's historical profile.'' Mr. Washington said: "I used wood from the floor for the beams and window frames. I want to finally get it all finished by May.

"Then I hope to have an open house for senior citizens -- they can come by and look at an old home and have a slice of brick oven bread and a cup of tea to bring back old memories.''