A north East tourist attraction is bidding for millions of pounds of lottery money.

Alnwick Garden trustees are gearing up for a crucial meeting with Lotto chiefs next week.

So far, two of the project's three key phases have nearly been completed on site, transforming what was a derelict waste-ground into a major tourist venue.

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of the North East Arts council, said: "The project has huge vision, and is transforming a huge area stretching from Tyneside to the Scottish borders. It is very important we raise the resources to get the maximum potential out of it."