THE rich industrial heritage of East Cleveland is set to be better protected thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) cash boost.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has received £62,500 for its “East Cleveland’s Industrial Heartland” – which is being led by the its environmental protection team in partnership with local landowners and volunteer groups.

The team will discover, catalogue and promote industrial heritage across East Cleveland, specifically at ironstone mining sites currently in serious states of decline such as Kilton, Lingdale, North Skelton, Brotton, Liverton Mines and Skinningrove.

The project builds on the success of “Our Industrial Heartland” with the continued support of local experts from the Cleveland Mining Heritage Society and Cleveland Industrial Archaeology Society, also bringing on board new volunteers such as Loftus Community Heritage Group and Skelton History Group.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council cabinet member for culture, tourism and communications, said: “We’re thrilled the Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised the historic importance of mining and industry to our communities.

“The grant will be used to help people understand how industry in East Cleveland has influenced our landscape and community over the years.

“This work is paramount to the preservation and protection of valuable industrial archaeology within the project area. By capturing more surviving ironstone mine buildings in the project area at a specific point in time we are providing generations of people with pictorial images to enjoy while we look to build a future that not only matches but exceeds that proud past.”

The team will be working closely with the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum and ‘Land of Iron’ project in the North York Moors National Park to tell the story of ironstone mining, helping local villages understand the role their communities played in the ironstone mining boom.

The project will provide support and training to local volunteer groups to manage and promote their own websites, work with electronic mapping and use 3D modelling to record structures.

Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are delighted to support this project, to enable more people to get involved with the industrial heritage of East Cleveland.”

For details visit www.ourindustrialheartland.co.uk or search for the scheme on Facebook.