MINEHEAD Development Trust is celebrating after receiving an award of a Heritage Lottery Fund.

Its exciting initiative, the Minehead Maritime Heritage Project, has been given £9,000 to work with the local community and rediscover and celebrate the history and culture of Minehead’s maritime legacy.

Halsway Manor and Storywell are leading the project, which will see seven plaques mounted on the harbour wall, telling the story of Minehead’s Maritime Heritage.

The plaques will be unveiled at the 2014 Harbour Festival in July.

The project is part of the Minehead Vision Action Plan to celebrate the town’s maritime legacy, and raise the status of Minehead’s Quay Town as a cultural tourist destination.

Halsway Manor Centre for Folk Arts and Storywell will be working with schools, community groups and individuals to research and share the stories and songs of the harbour and sea.

Stephen Hooper, Minehead Vision manager said: “It’s great we have been awarded this grant and we can’t wait to get started.

“Minehead, as a port, has a rich trading and military history; it is a primary reason for Minehead’s existence.”

Nerys Watts, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant so Minehead can embark on a real journey of discovery.”

The Old Ship Aground will be holding regular Sea Shanty and Song public workshops.

The first two will be taking place on February 27 and March 2 from 7.30-10.30pm.

Anyone with any tales relating to the harbour or who would like to help carry out historical research should contact Alex Simson from Storywell on 07980-197737.