County Durham has some of the UK's most beautiful coastline

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded �343,000 to be spent on the Durham Heritage Coast.

It is for an area known as Nose's Point, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), near the former Dawdon Colliery and Seaham Harbour Railhead.

The cash will be used to create paths and cycle ways, and to promote environmental projects.

The site offers spectacular views northwards to the Port of Seaham and south across Blast Beach from Nose's Point, making it one of the most dramatic viewing points on the coast.

In addition, the cash will be used to create a footbridge and a new visitor centre as a gateway to the coastline.

Efforts will also be made to tackle fly tipping and anti-social behaviour in the area.