There is a strong mining heritage in Northumberland

A former Northumberland mine is to be transformed into a major cultural attraction thanks to a �10m grant.

The money has been awarded to Woodhorn Colliery in Ashington, built in the 19th Century but closed since 1981, from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

It is hoped the former pit will become the centre of a new Experience Northumberland project, which will attract up to 75,000 visitors a year and create 200 jobs.

At the centre will be a new landmark building, with a serrated roof to portray coal cutting machinery.

The county council and Wansbeck District Council will also use the lottery money to extend the existing Woodhorn Colliery Museum.

Records office

Before it became a museum 65% of the surface buildings were demolished, and restoration work will be carried out on the remaining buildings so the public can enter many of them for the first time.

The centre will host exhibitions of the Pitmens Paintings art collection and of Northumberland miners banners, and the county records office will also be moved into the new complex.

It is hoped the restored complex will become a major educational centre as well as a heritage attraction.

Mining shafts were opened at Woodburn Colliery in Ashington in 1894, and during its peak 2,500 men were employed at the pit and nearby Ashington Colliery.

'National importance'

Michael Davey, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "This will be a major regional flagship attraction, providing economic, cultural and educational benefits.

"I am sure such wonderful innovation will capture the hearts and minds of everyone in Northumberland."

John Devon, leader of Wansbeck Council, said: "We have plans to transform Woodhorn into a heritage and cultural centre of national importance."

A spokesman for the HLF said the project would be of great interest to people across north-east England.