A STORY trail depicting a town's history is to be completed next month.

Work is under way at Hartlepool's Headland to erect 18 information panels, topped off with a cast-iron monkey design, echoing the town's legend.

Once in place, they will lead people on a circular walk around The Headland, from Marine Drive to the Town Wall and then back to Throston Engine House, in Thorpe Street.

Each 1.8-metre-high post will have information and pictures about aspects of The Headland's history and folklore, including local character Billy Purvis, the monkey legend, crofters, lifeboat gallantry and the German bombardment, as well as the history of key locations such as the bandstand and the outdoor bathing pool.

The story trail has been devised by the North Hartlepool Partnership, with money from regional development agency One NorthEast, to regenerate the Headland. Additional funding for the £40,000 project has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

John Cambridge, of the North Hartlepool Partnership and the Headland History Group, said: "The story trail will give visitors and local people an unusual opportunity to discover the Headland's fascinating heritage."