Sense of Place will be running throughout 2006 in Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland.

It aims to get local people together to identify the value of their local heritage, culture and landscape.

The aim is to then make the most of those areas to sustain and develop their communities.

'Unique landscapes'

The project has been developed by the three Leader+ groups in Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland, the International Centre for the Uplands - Cumbria , Newcastle University and the Hidden Britain Centres Cumbria project.

Project officer Jenny Smith said: "These areas of northern England include some of the most scenic and remote upland areas in the country.

"They are unique landscapes - many of which have protected status - containing a network of farming and rural communities, each with its own traditions, culture and heritage.

"The Sense of Place project aims to support communities to develop and make the most of what is already at the core of their culture."