THE dirt of centuries is being cleaned away to show the splendour of a Hartlepool landmark.

Stonemasons have been cleaning the blackened stonework in the Gallilee Chapel at the front of the 12th Century St Hilda's Church on the Headland, to reveal the stone's natural colour.

Later this year, the chapel will again become the main entrance to the church when the West Door is brought back into use.

The work is being carried out by stonemasons Ebor Stone, of York, which specialises in the restoration of churches and other ancient buildings.

It is part of a larger project to attract more visitors to the church by creating better facilities, including installing information displays, improved lighting and better access.

The project, which will be finished in the autumn, involves the use of displays, computer-generated images and touch-screens in the church, enabling visitors to learn about the church's history and its role in the community.

It is being funded with £488,000 from the North Hartlepool Partnership. An additional £30,000 has been pledged by the St Hilda's congregation.

The project has been developed following consultations with the congregation and is supported by the church's governing body, the Parochial Church Council.

Work to remove years of dirt left by pigeons roosting in the church tower has also been carried out.

Peter Kashouris, rector of the church, said: "I'm very pleased at the way the project is progressing. It is particularly exciting to see the original stonework in the Gallilee Chapel emerging from its covering of dust and dirt.

"That area will become the new entrance to the church and, thanks to the careful cleaning, it will have a much lighter, more pleasant appearance and have a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors."