PLANS are in the pipeline to create a heritage visitor centre at one of the region's oldest breweries.

Camerons Lion Brewery, in Hartlepool, has applied for planning permission to develop a former pub on the brewery site into a heritage and exhibition centre.

The Lion Brewery has been established in the town for more than 150 years, and home to Camerons since 1865.

It is hoped, if given the go-ahead, the centre will attract as many people to Hartlepool as the Guinness brewery does to Dublin.

Mike Berriman, from Camerons, said: "We are turning an old pub into a centre which will be used both as a visitor and education centre, where people can come and learn about the brewing process.

"The brewery has been on the site since 1865 and is one of the oldest industries in Hartlepool. This would give people the chance to go back through its history and see how brewing has changed.

"The whole centre will be very much family orientated."

The application has been lodged with Hartlepool Borough Council and councillors on its planning committee will discuss it at a meeting sometime in the next few weeks.

Alan Wright, chairman of culture and leisure on the Hartlepool Partnership, said: "This is something I would back 100 per cent. In the North-East we are very bad at celebrating our cultural heritage and in Hartlepool there is a tradition of brewing which goes a long way back.

"The Guinness visitor centre at Dublin has been very successful and there is no reason why this one can't be too.

"If anyone is in doubt about this idea they should just take a look at the phenomenal success of the Guinness brewery and the possibilities available.

"The Strongarm name, and its mascot of the man, has become well known around the country and so hopefully that will attract many people to the town.

"It is time we became proud of our heritage and we should be celebrating it."

The plans have been submitted by Burns Architects.