Cash boost for two coastal towns

Tynemouth Station has been described as one of the finest in the country.

The Sunderland seafront and a Victorian station on North Tyneside are to be transformed by a £3m government grant.

Tynemouth Station, once described as one of the finest in the country but now on the English Heritage "at risk" register, will receive £2m.

Roker seafront will get £1m to create a trail inspired by the area's heritage and culture.

The money has come from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Sea Change Fund.

Tynemouth station was opened in 1882 by the North Eastern Railway and the Grade II listed structure is now part of the Tyne and Wear Metro network.

The funding will ensure its historic canopies can be repaired and the plans also include enhancing the existing exhibition space.

Artist's impression of Roker revamp

Sunderland City Council has matched its £1m grant with £500,000 to help revive the town as a thriving historic coastal resort.

The plans for Roker Marine Walk include event spaces, cliff-side lighting, education pods, an interpretation trail and improving the surroundings of the Grade II Listed Roker pier and lighthouse.

Many of the ideas were generated by members of the public who took part in consultations earlier in 2009.

The Sea Change programme, which is running from 2008 to 2011, gives a range of large and small grants each year to seaside resorts.

Margaret Hodge, Culture and Tourism Minister, said: "What's exciting is that many of these grants will enable our seaside towns to celebrate their fantastic heritage and history.

"At the same time, they make the services and cultural facilities they offer completely relevant for the future."