A TOWER could become a tourist attraction.

Hartlepool Borough Council is publicising the fact that the town's Art Gallery and Tourist Information Centre, in Church Square, is open to the public.

The 100ft tower has 164 steps and provides one of the best views of the port.

Entry is 50p and there are two ways to climb the tower, using the original stone stairwell or the modern staircase.

The Art Gallery was formerly the Christchurch, built by industrialist and philanthropist Ralph Ward Jackson, who commissioned London architect Edward Buckton Lamb to design it. It opened on April 20, 1854.

Colin Reid, the council's arts and museums officer, said: "Many people may not realise that such an exciting, bird's eye view of Hartlepool is available practically on their doorstep."

The gallery and tower are open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 5.30pm and Sundays and bank holidays from 2pm to 5pm. Call (01429) 869706 for more details