COURTROOMS on Teesside are to receive a £1.3m facelift.

Magistrates courts at Middlesbrough and Hartlepool are to be upgraded in a two- year works programme.

The successful bid was prepared by Middlesbrough Council, its partners Hyder Business Services and the Magistrates Courts' Committee, which is now in danger of extinction due to proposed reforms in the management and control of local courts.

The aim of the revamp is to improve the condition and facilities within the courts.

Steve Williams, building manager with Middlesbrough's Facilities Management Unit, said: "A lot of effort went into the bid and timescales were really tight, but we're absolutely delighted with the result.

"The hard work will now begin to ensure that the work is properly programmed and carried out with the minimum disruption to the courts' daily proceedings.''