Funding of £11m for UK heritage projects

The Transporter Bridge is Middlesbrough's most famous landmark

A World War II submarine, a bridge, a seaside pier, a castle conservatory and a cathedral are to share £11m of funding for heritage projects.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grants will allow the sites to undertake restoration and repair work, and make them more accessible to visitors.

The Transporter Bridge, Middlesbrough's most famous landmark, is getting £2.6m.

The Grade II listed bridge will get new lifts and a gondola to allow the public to see the view from the top.

Guided tours and educational activities for schools will also be provided on the bridge, which links Middlesbrough and Port Clarence.

Designer Kevin McCloud said the bridge was an "extraordinary example of engineering".

Mr McCloud, presenter of Channel 4's Grand Designs, said: "The bridge also demonstrates the very British enthusiasm for practical problem-solving."

Another major beneficiary is the HMS Alliance, the last surviving World War II A class submarine, which is housed at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hampshire.

HMS Alliance will get £3.4m to repair its bow and stern and address extensive corrosion on its surface.

The money will also provide new facilities for visitors to the museum.

Wakefield Cathedral will benefit to to the tune of £1.58m, which will allow the Grade I listed building to get better lighting, flooring, heating and access.

Penarth Pier Pavilion in Vale of Glamorgan will get £1.65m for restoration of the building.

Wentworth Castle conservatory in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has been awarded £2.4m.

The Grade II* listed building is one of the last surviving Victorian winter gardens in the country.

Penarth pier was built in 1928 and is described as in a "poor state of repair"

HLF chief executive Carole Souter said: "Our £11m investment will help transform these five unique heritage sites, ensuring they will still be around for everyone's enjoyment for many years to come."

The HLF said it was also giving a tentative approval to projects to restore Hoxton Hall in Hackney, east London and Middleport pottery in Stoke-on-Trent.

It is also considering a grant to transform Palace House and Stables in Newmarket into a horseracing heritage centre.

Seventeen Classic winners were trained at Palace House between 1837 and 1926. In its heyday in the late 19th century, Palace House was the largest training establishment in Newmarket.

However, a £2.9m bid towards building a museum at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, to house the last Concorde aircraft to fly has been turned down.