Sunderland City Council (SCC) has awarded the Hylton Castle and Dene project group £20,000 to help the organisation to draw-up a business plan that could secure funding for the restoration of the city's Hylton Castle.

The group comprises local volunteers, heritage organisations and individuals interested in the preservation of the castle and dene, which dates back to the 12th century. SCC's North Area Committee approved the funding award, and its chair, Richard Bell, said: "By granting £20,000 towards this business plan we can ensure that the city has a greater chance of securing significant investment from national heritage organisations."

John Coulthard, chair of the Hylton Castle and Dene Steering Group, added: "After much hard work by the group, funding from the North Area Committee will allow us to work with Planning Solutions Consultancy and construct the best possible case to bring national heritage funding into the city."