The North Pennines have been given Geopark status.

A variety of projects will benefit from the funds, including Britain's first European Geopark in the North Pennines.

Geopark status is awarded by the United Nations to regions of rich geological and landscape heritage.

Other schemes to win funding include the restoration of Redcar's historic town clock and a study of North Tyneside's waggonways.

The new funding brings lottery investment in the region to over �144m in the past decade.

'Unique traditions'

Keith Bartlett, the Heritage Lottery Fund's regional manager said: "This is another major boost for heritage in the North East.

"These projects highlight the fantastic variety of heritage in the region, from our proud mining past and wonderful natural landscapes and resources, to the restoration of community buildings and celebration of our unique local culture and traditions."

Over 50 different community groups from across Newcastle have also been granted a �635,000 share of the funds.