A £1m National Lottery grant will bring part of Hartlepool's heritage back to life.

The cash has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore and repair historic buildings in the Headland area.

It will be used to restore empty buildings as well as those still in use which need repairing.

Among those which could benefit are the former Methodist chapel, now called Morrison Hall, St Andrew's Church and Throston Engine House.

Councillor John Coward, chairman of the borough council's regeneration board, said: "This is excellent news for the people of the Headland and for the many fine and historic buildings in the area.

"The people of the Headland are clearly extremely proud of their heritage, and this grant will enable that rich legacy to be preserved for future generations.

"Together with the regeneration work being done by the North Hartlepool Partnership, the Heritage Lottery Fund grant opens another exciting chapter in the history of the Headland."

It is hoped some of the work will start this year.