Millions of pounds allocated for Plymouth Marine Park

The funding has been awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund

More than £11m has been raised to help deliver the UK's first National Marine Park.

Previously, a grant of £9.5m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund was confirmed.

On Thursday, a funding boost of £2.1m was awarded Plymouth City Council by the fund for the project at Plymouth Sound.

Bosses said the total cost of the scheme was £22m, with the remaining funds yet to be secured.

The project aims to engage the city's residents and businesses with the marine environment.

Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said it is a "unique opportunity".

To reach the £22m cost, funding will come from other sources with the majority from Plymouth City Council.

Mr Evans is leader of Plymouth City Council

Bosses said the project also aims to protect the area's 1,000 marine species and help tackle the impact of climate change.

Mr Evans said: "As Britain's Ocean City we have a unique opportunity to pioneer a new approach to protecting and restoring the amazing heritage of Plymouth Sound, transforming the lives of local residents.

"In developing the UK's first National Marine Park we will create a blueprint for an innovative new model of National Marine Parks across our island nation - and this feels both vital and exciting."

Elaine Hayes, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park CEO, said: "This journey to connect people with the sea in a new way will ensure that the communities of Plymouth can be active and engaged citizens of the sea."