The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has granted £2.5 million for two restoration projects in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The Belong Heritage Gallery has received nearly £1.8m to restore and bring back into use the former Maxim's nightclub.

The 17th century Grade II listed building has fallen into disrepair since the club closed in 2006. It will be transformed into a heritage gallery, telling the story of the sites history.

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Working with specialist partners Prime, the project is part of a wider Belong Village project, which is to provide a range of housing amenities and specialist care services within a community hub.

In addition, St Giles PCC has been awarded £720,500 to transform the St Giles churchyard.

Works include excavating a large mass of rubble left over from previous building works into a landscaped area showing the site's historic gravestones.

Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: "We are thrilled that, thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to provide this important investment in Newcastle's heritage.

"We are keen to fund even more in the Borough and are encouraging local groups to get in touch about their ideas for projects."

(LM/CD)