The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced a further investment of £20m in 39 skills projects through its Skills for the Future Programme.

The money will deliver 876 new placements for people seeking a career in heritage.

Designed to support traditional heritage skills as well as more contemporary ones - such as business planning and digital skills - the placements will offer high quality, work-based training.

The scheme is part of HLF strategy to support organisations in diversifying their workforce, encouraging more young people or those from diverse cultural backgrounds to make their career in heritage.

Projects receiving funding include London Wildlife Trust's 'Wild Talent' (£558,700) initiative and Brecon Beacons National Park Authority's ?Skills in Action? scheme (£917,000).

Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of HLF, said: "Nurturing skills of all types continues to be a hugely important part of the HLF's portfolio of work.

"Skills for the Future is one of our most successful and over-subscribed programmes with fierce competition to secure funding.

"The 39 projects that have won through reflect the wide range of training and opportunities on offer in the heritage industry.

"We're delighted that through this significant investment 876 new placements will be created right across the UK and hope that this additional funding will help encourage growth and build resilience within the sector."