HERITAGE groups in the North-East are being encouraged to develop a future based on the past of their local communities.

Three community organisations became the first in the region to receive funding under the Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) this week.

Run by the Countryside Agency, the LHI is backed by £8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1m from the Nationwide Building Society.

A sum of £375,000 has been earmarked for the North-East for each of the next three years, to provide backing for up to 150 projects.

Successful schemes benefiting from the first round of regional rewards included the Coatham and South Gare Heritage Community Project, near Redcar.

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Tees Archaeology group will work with local volunteers to collect and collate historical, anecdotal and archaeological information relating to the stretch of coast north of Redcar and south of Tees mouth.

Backed by £5,987 from the LHI fund, the aim is to create a public exhibition and help develop a website.

Another North-East project receiving funding was the Hareshaw Linn Play, helping people in Bellingham, Northumberland, to work with playwrights and musicians to create a drama based on their memories and experiences, and develop a nature trail.

The third regional recipient of LHI money was the Path Head Water Mill restoration scheme in Blaydon, near Gateshead.

Although the mill was revived with Heritage Lottery Fund grants in 1995 local people now plan to renovate surrounding industrial relics and create information boards, leaflets and a history booklet.

All three awards were presented at the regional LHI launch at the Bede's World attraction in Jarrow, South Tyneside, on Wednesday.