A HERITAGE group is hoping people will support its fundraising effort to restore the graves of two Teesside figures.

The Stewart Park and Marton Heritage Group has secured permission to restore the grave of Henry Bolckow, Middlesbrough's first mayor, co-founder of the area's steel industry, justice of the peace and MP, and a major benefactor of the town.

It also aims to repair the graves of John Vaughan, Mr Bolckow's business partner and brother-in-law, and another member of the Vaughan family, all in St Cuthbert's churchyard.

As John Vaughan's grave is an English Heritage-listed monument, the group had to get permission for the project, estimated to cost £15,000.

However, as the permission only lasts for a year, the group is facing a race against time to complete it.

Judith James, secretary of the heritage group, said she hoped local people would help and yesterday the first volunteers began tidying up the graves.

Ms James said: "Henry Bolckow and John Vaughan virtually founded Middlesbrough, and I think it is important to heighten people's awareness of their history. We are hoping they will offer sponsorship, chemicals to clean the graves with, or even their time."

Ms James said the graves were damaged during the war, when surrounding iron railings and chains were removed. Since then, they have fallen into further disrepair.

"They are in a dreadful state and are beginning to sink," said Ms James. "As they are the nearest graves to Stokesley Road, people see them when they pass, and they make the area look unsightly."

The project's cost is because of the expensive pink granite needed to restore the graves. While the heritage group has submitted several bids to companies and grant providers, including Corus's charity fund, none have yet responded.

"We are hoping that people like the scouts and guides and people who have an interest in the area's history will get involved," she said. "When we have completed the work, we hope to produce a leaflet about the churchyard."