A NORTH-EAST landmark dedicated to a maritime hero is to get a facelift.

The Collingwood Monument, at the mouth of the River Tyne, was erected in 1845 to honour Admiral Lord Collingwood's role in the Battle of Trafalgar.

A £169,703 project will restore the statue, which was designed by North Shields architect John Dobson.

English heritage is giving £83,900 and the rest is coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund and North Tyneside Borough Council.

English Heritage's regional director, Peter Bromley, said: "Regrettably, over the passage of time, the drainage system below the column has failed, which has caused water erosion in the lower masonry.

"This grant will enable that problem to be rectified, as well as carrying out remedial works to the plinth, and repointing and stonework repairs to the podium and statue.

"We are delighted to be able to award this grant to North Tyneside, which means that the Collingwood Monument can be removed from the Buildings at Risk register."