A SHIPWRECK from the 19th Century will be excavated by young sea cadets as they dive into their town's maritime history.

Hartlepool's distinguished marine history will be explored during the Dig, Dive and Discover project, with the help of a £24,000 grant.

The project is a Hartlepool Borough Council initiative and is a partnership between the local library service, the Nautical Archaeology Society North- East (NAS), Hartlepool Diving Club and the Hartlepool Sea Cadets.

A major aspect of the project will be to discover more about a small wooden shipwreck on Middleton Strand, near Navigation Point, believed to date from the early 19th Century. This will be researched and excavated by young people.

During the project, up to 20 Hartlepool Sea Cadets, ranging from 13 to 20 years old, will begin the exploration work under supervision of experts.

They will learn a variety of new skills in marine archaeology, research and web design.

Each Cadet will also receive scuba diving training through the British Sub Aqua Club scheme and a certificate from the Nautical Archaeology Society.

Diane Marlborough, project leader, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Heritage Lottery Fund grant and excited that we can now dig deeper in the maritime heritage of our town, for the benefit of the local community and visitors."

One of the cadets involved, Cadet Sergeant James Coxon, 15, from Hartlepool, said: "All the cadets are really looking forward to taking part. It means we can learn even more about the history of Hartlepool and share it with everyone in the town."

Keith Bartlett, regional manager for the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "This project will enhance the continuing success of the HMS Trincomalee restoration project.

Dig, Dive and Discover will bring more of the town's maritime heritage to life.

All archaeological discoveries, and relevant information, will be added to the PortCities Hartlepool website, http://portcities.hartlepool.gov.uk; on the NAS website at www.nasportsmouth.org.uk; and on the Tees Archaeology website at www.teesarchaeology.com