Run by Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, the project will be giving young people aged from 13 to 25 the opportunity to go climbing, caving, kayaking and exploring mines, as well as a range of cultural activities working with artists.

Centred on the North Pennines natural and man-made environment, the project is targeting young people living in the more isolated rural areas. As well as providing a taster for outdoor and cultural activities, the project, which will be centred at and around the Museum, will encourage new skills development through participation, training, volunteering, mentoring and apprenticeships.

Those taking part will also have a say in the management and future planning of Killhope and, it is hoped that up to 200 active volunteers will be recruited as a result. Local artists and cultural leaders will be running more than 50 full-day sessions on the range of activities during the course of the two-year project.

Additional funding has come from Generation 2012 that links the project to the Cultural Olympiad being organised to coincide with the Olympic Games. The precise nature of the activities will be decided by a youth steering group and a festival covering various events will be organised.

For the Heritage Lottery Fund, Head of HLF North East Ivor Crowther, said: “This project will help local young people to view their environment in new ways, encouraging an interest in both physical activities and history while offering them new skills as well as challenges.”

Mike Boase, Manager of Killhope, said: "With this funding Killhope can really begin to address the cultural needs of Young People who find themselves isolated by the geography of the Dales and denied the opportunities of their urban peers. This project is the start of a long term engagement with the Youth of the Dales with benefits not just for the young people but for the community as a whole."

Notes to editors

Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, located in Upper Weardale, has a strong reputation for welcoming families as well as older people but is keen to develop its work with teenagers and young adults. This HLF-funded project is the second phase of such work. An earlier phase provided a range of volunteering opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK with £209 million in the North East alone.

Further information

HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6027 / lbates@hlf.org.uk or Robert Smith on 020 7591 6245 / roberts@hlf.org.uk

Bryony Bell, North of England Lead Mining Museum on 01388 537505 or bryony.bell@durham.gov.uk