WAR historians will be able to check on the progress of work to restore former shoreline defences to their former glory.

The Heugh Battery, on the Headland at Hartlepool, fired the first shots of the First World War from the British coastline during a raid by German warships in 1914.

Its robust defence of Hartlepool has since inspired a group of local enthusiasts to seek permission from Hartlepool Borough Council to carry out restoration work.

With help from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Heugh Battery Trust plans to rebuild the battery's wall, remove graffiti, build a visitor centre and install three guns.

On Saturday, the trust will hold an open day at the site to inform the public of the group's progress.

To bolster the wartime atmosphere, the Headland Re-enactment Society and an SS re-enactment group from East Durham will be entertaining visitors.

The local Territorial Army centre, the Royal Signals, will also be sending a recruitment van.

The event lasts from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free.