TWO orange sea mines and a large naval gun have taken pride of place outside Hartlepool's Maritime Experience ahead of a new chapter for the museum.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) has committed to creating a Museum for the North at Hartlepool's Maritime Experience - and will take over the site from Hartlepool Council next year,

In a taster of what is to come, two large, bright-orange British Mark 17 sea mines and a large naval gun have been transferred from the NMRN in Portsmouth to Hartlepool, where they now stand guard outside the complex.

Over the coming years the NMRN will invest heavily in the site, which will feature a range of items from its collection. It’s estimated that the new development will attract an extra 140,000 visitors to the town every year.

Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Regeneration Services Policy Committee, said: “Once it’s complete, the NMRN’s Museum for the North will draw visitors from far and wide and will be a massive boost for the town and its economy.

“We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with the NMRN to make this project a reality – it forms part of the Hartlepool Vision which is laying the foundations for future prosperity and jobs for the town.

“Hartlepool, with its strong maritime links, will be very proud to play its part in preserving and celebrating Britain’s amazing Royal Navy heritage.”