The National Coal Mining Museum for England (NCMME) is to receive £616,800, and All Saints Church, Ilkley, has been awarded £543,700.

David Renwick, Head of HLF Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “It’s all about people with these two latest grants for heritage projects in Yorkshire. Thanks to National Lottery players, they will soon be transforming their visitor experience through projects that will bring to life the heritage around them.”

The National Coal Mining Museum: £616,800 grant

The NCMME, famous for its underground tours, will focus on recruiting and training a new band of volunteers who are passionate about bringing the stories of the pit alive through a new project, Coalfield Conversations.

Caphouse Colliery and Hope Pit will see visitors' experience above-ground improved, to include a welcome area, shop and site signage, as well as a range of volunteer-enabled surface activities.

Visitor Experience volunteer, Pam, said: “It is wonderful news that we are to receive this support from the National Lottery. I have been a volunteer at the mining museum for four years and we have been involved in the development of this project from the start. We are all committed to keeping the history and story of coal mining alive for this and future generations. It is exciting to think that as volunteers we can be an integral part of the Museum now and in the future.”

All Saints Church, Ilkley: £543,700 grant

All Saints Ilkley: telling the stories of a parish church, Saxon crosses and Roman fort – will see a major £1.5m refurbishment programme and new interpretation at this well-loved church with a history stretching back over 2000 years.

A lively and growing church with a focus on community outreach, All Saints provides a focal point for residents and visitors of the town and beyond, and is home to over 30 community groups and children’s activities.

The National Lottery-funded project will create a link building between the Church and Church House, which will help to create a welcoming and attractive place offering interactive digital displays and guided walks telling its history through the eyes of local people who lived and worshipped in the town.