A HALF a million pound investment to keep the UK’s oldest warship still afloat will be channelled into a North-East museum dedicated to celebrating the region’s maritime history.

Up to £500,000 is being invested in Hartlepool’s National Museum of the Royal Navy, which houses the 200-year-old HMS Trincomalee and offers displays and family activities.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy took over operation of the former Hartlepool Maritime Experience 12 months ago and has attracted an additional 11,500 visitors.

Professor Dominic Tweddle, director general of the museum, said: “HMS Trincomalee remains the jewel in the crown on the site but needs essential maintenance and conservation and must be a priority for us if she is to survive another 200 years.

“We’ll work with the HMS Trincomalee Trust, which we own, to simplify governance on the site to refresh the board and recruit new trustees with relevant project-based skill, building on the National Museum’s exemplary historic ship experience.”