A Tyne Valley town has been boosted with a grant for its local cultural programme.

Hexham’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) has announced it will receive £80,000 from Historic England – one of 60 high streets in the country to do so.

The funding will be used on a pilot project named Animating Hexham, working with several artists and the local community.

Katy Taylor, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Queen’s Hall Arts and Chair of the Hexham Culture Network said: “We hope that the cultural programme will inspire people to share their memories, get creative, and feel a sense of ownership of Hexham’s rich heritage, as well as thinkin about the future of our historic town.

Speaking on behalf of Hexham HSHAZ, Janice Rose, Head of Economy and Regeneration at Northumberland County Council, said: “Through the HSAZ we want to revitalise Hexham’s historic town centre, making it a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work, invest in and visit.”

Local county councillors Cath Homer and Trevor Cessford welcomed news of the grant funding and said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to get involved with the cultural programme and a series of events which will celebrate the rich heritage and history of the town.”

There will be more information to follow later in the week.