A disused colliery turned museum in Northumberland could be transformed into a �15m heritage and cultural centre.

It is more than 20 years since Woodhorn Colliery, near Ashington, ceased production. At its height it employed 2,500 men.

Now an ambitious plan to ensure the rich mining heritage of the area will not be forgotten, is set to go ahead.

It is hoped a new futuristic building - housing mining memorabilia from across Northumberland - will be built next to the old pit heads.

Cultural impact

Many of the listed buildings on the site will also be revamped thanks to a �10m Heritage Lottery grant and a �5m boost from two local councils.

Councillor Michael Davey, of Northumberland County Council, said: "We feel very excited about this. This is the start of a project that we have been working on for quite a while now.

"We are very grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund because this will have a very big impact on this area."

The new building may provide a home for the Northumberland mining banners and the Pitmen Painters collection.

It is hoped the new building will stand next to the colliery

The Pitmen Painters were a group of Northumberland miners who founded the Ashington Art Group in the 1930s and who took as their subject everyday life in their mining community.

The colliery museum already holds a major collection of their work.

The architect, who has designed the proposed building, was born in nearby Seaton Sluice.

Tony Kettle told BBC Newcastle: "I feel passionately about the project as my relatives are from the area.

"While I represent an international architectural firm, we do projects all over the world, this is very important to me."

The museum received word from the Heritage Lottery in 2002 that they had been earmarked for a �10m grant.

Northumberland County Council and Wansbeck District Council will provide the rest of the funding.