A QUARTER of a million pounds worth of grant from Central Government will help secure the future of an historic Tynedale trust and tourist attraction.

Vindolanda Trust, near Bardon Mill, received £250,000 from Arts Council England’s Cultural Recovery Fund, which will maintain the businesses and help keep it open to the public.

The trust said the grant provided financial stability throughout winter, without making further staff redundancies, and place it in a stable position next year.

Dr Andrew Birley, Vindolanda Trust chief executive, said: “This substantial grant of £250,000 will have a significant impact to our ability to survive through the winter of 2020 and push positively ahead into 2021.

“It protects jobs, skills and expertise, the Designated Museum Collection and the ancient site. Importantly, by supporting the Vindolanda Trust this award also helps the surrounding cultural and tourism ecosystem in the central part of Hadrian’s Wall.”

The funding will also ensure the trust can protect reserves needed for salaries, fixed operational and property maintenance costs. Trust patron, Robson Green shared his delight at receiving the grant. “The Vindolanda Trust reminds us all that knowing our origins not only teaches us about the past and the world we live in today but more importantly it allows us learn so much about ourselves,” he said.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman spoke of his delight at news of around £1million being awarded to Tynedale organisations.

He said: “The fund will help support local jobs, and will hopefully put some of our iconic cultural organisations on a sustainable footing for the future.”

Allenheads Contemporary Arts will continue into its 26th year after receiving £57,000 in funding as part of the culture fund. It said the grant will help adapt its facilities to comply with Covid-19 restrictions and prepare a programme of events and exhibitions for 2021.

A statement read: “We look forward to safely welcoming back artists and visitors when we reopen our gallery, reactivate our residency programme and reboot our on-site observatory.”

Tynedale Fine Art Products Ltd, which owns the Haslam’s of Hallgate gallery in Hexham, received £50,000 as part of the culture grant.