A HISTORIC beauty spot in Middlesbrough is counting on the public's support to secure a £50,000 grant to return it to its former glory.

Fairy Dell, in Coulby Newham, has been short-listed for the opportunity to win the funding through a 50-50 television poll.

To secure the cash from the Big Lottery People's Millions, the project has to come out on top during a head-to-head telephone vote.

The scheme to revitalise the parkland is facing tough competition from a project to re-instate a well in the Meadowell area of Tyne and Wear.

The contest will be launched during Tyne Tees Television's 6 o'clock news tomorrow.

Viewers will then have the chance to register their vote until midnight and the winning project will be announced the following night.

The Friends of Fairy Dell are urging people to watch the programme and vote for Fairy Dell as soon as the phone lines open.

If the bid is successful, the cash will be pumped into rejuvenating Fairy Dell's natural beauty so local people can enjoy the woodlands and historic lakes. The money will be used to clear footpaths, improve the condition of the lakes and provide community wildlife activities for all the family.

Mike Guess, local resident and a spokesman for the friends group, said: "I've been out all week walking in Fairy Dell, giving out posters to promote our project.

"Everyone I have met has been really excited about this opportunity to get the cash to enable the dell to become a major beauty spot once again.

"We really need everyone in Middlesbrough to get behind us, pick up the phone and vote.

"We already have the energy and enthusiasm of local people and the support of Middlesbrough Council - we just need the money to get on with the job."

The three head-to-head People's Millions competitions, which start tonight, are part of a scheme to get the public involved in how lottery cash should be spent.

Charles Allen, chief executive of ITV, said: "We want to invite viewers to have a direct say on what they want their Lottery good cause money spent on."