Attraction hope for Sunderland's Hylton Castle
Work is under way to develop a derelict Wearside castle into a tourist attraction.
The 12th Century Hylton Castle fell into disrepair after much of it was demolished in the 1860s.
Now the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded Sunderland City Council £153,000 to develop a plan to turn it into a community hub and attraction.
It is hoped the site will eventually house educational areas, exhibition spaces, a cafe and gallery.
Ivor Crowther, head of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) North East, said: "This is the first stage in a much longer journey and we are looking forward to working closely with the council and Friends of Hylton Castle as plans progress over the coming months."
A city council spokesman said: "Internally there are plans to use all three floors to provide a learning and educational area, exhibition space, cafe, and space for meetings and conferences, while the grounds space will be developed to stage local and city-wide events.
"This funding will not only help bring this historic building back into community use, but also ensure that it is appropriately conserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy."