HERITAGE hotspots across the region have been ranked in an annual index.

The RSA Heritage Index, produced by the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in conjunction with the Heritage Lottery Fund, rates areas by their heritage assets and how much activity is going into making the most of them.

It reveals which local areas are best at using heritage to foster a distinctive identity and which could do better.

Scarborough came out top in the region and was ranked fourth overall in the England and Wales top ten.

Meanwhile, Newcastle was said to have the most heritage activity of any major city outside of London.

Northumberland and Hartlepool are regarded as star performers in the North-East – Hartlepool having ten historic ships on display and having put in place “extensive protections” for its natural heritage.

As well as inherited physical assets such as battlefields and castles, the index measures new forms of heritage activity like community initiatives and volunteering.

Research for the index highlighted the role of devolution from central government to local government, meaning “local distinctiveness” was more important than ever.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the RSA, said: “At its best, a proper understanding of heritage – which goes beyond protecting history – fuels passion, pride and a unique place identity.”

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, added: “Heritage is at the heart of what makes a place distinctive.

“The Heritage Index is a vital tool which is helping communities to better understand that heritage and tap into its vast potential.”

To view the index visit www.thersa.org