Fitness and lifestyle changes are regular new year's resolutions but the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) are encouraging people to get their homes in shape too.

SPAB has designed a homeowners course to give people who care for older or period properties the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about the repair of the property.

The first course of this year will be held on February 4 and February 5 in Artworker's Guild, Bloomsbury, London. The course runs from 9.30am until 5.30pm and costs £125.

TV heritage expert and education officer for SPAB Marianne Suhr currently working on a series of the BBC programme Restoration will lead the course discussion panel and host a section focusing on surfaces and finishes.

Other topics which will be covered at the course include treating damp, timber decay, general approaches to old buildings and conservation, listed building consent procedures, interiors and choosing professionals. The topics will be explored through question and answer sessions and case studies.

SPAB was set up by William Morris to oppose the destructive restorations of the Victorian era and promote repair through conservation instead.

The society also trains architects and craftsmen, produces publications and campaigns on issues such as VAT for restoration projects.

To book a place on the course, visit spab.org.uk