London's Danson House was saved by English Heritage

The call came as it launched the 2006 Buildings at Risk register of the most vulnerable Grade 1 and 11 buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Chief executive Dr Simon Thurley said: "The best way to save a building is to find a good new use for it."

This year 94 sites were removed from the list, but another 68 were added.

English Heritage launched the new register at the new flagship Habitat store on 121-123 Regent Street, a former building under threat that now has its future secured.

The government's adviser on the historic environment has also offered �4.9m in grant aid towards 68 similarly threatened structures for the 2005/06 financial year.

'Modern approach'

Dr Thurley stressed the importance of preserving some of the nation's best buildings.

"These are internationally important buildings that are fascinating and inspirational as well as being well loved by their local communities," he said.

BUILDINGS AT RISK REGISTER English Heritage offered �4.9m grant aid towards 68 buildings at risk for 2005/06 Total of 94 buildings saved from last register 579 buildings (40.5%) of buildings have now been removed from original register in 1999

"This year, 94 important buildings have been saved but 68 new ones have just been added, and many difficult cases stay on year after year.

"It's English Heritage's modern approach that is stimulating new ideas to save some of the most difficult Buildings at Risk from languishing on the Register.

"Habitat is truly a case in point. Look at what has been achieved through a creative approach to its restoration.

"After many years on the Buildings at Risk Register it is now back in use and making an impressive contribution to Regent Street."

English Heritage also welcomed the new BBC Two series of Restoration Village, which aims to mobilise the country to save rural Buildings at Risk.