The heritage lottery fund has pledged £50 million to help protect organisations affected by the Covid-19 shutdown.

Public attractions like museums, galleries and historic sites have all been forced to shut down as people are told to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus.

And local organisations will be able to apply for grants of up to £50,000 to help them stay afloat as peak summer visitor season approaches.

The news was welcomed by West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin who urged qualifying local organisations to investigate applying for a grant if they are experiencing financial hardship.

Harriett commented: “The tourism industry is one of the most important parts of the Worcestershire economy and this current crisis risks causing serious damage to the future of our popular visitor attractions.

“The Heritage Lottery Fund is offering grants for organisations which may be facing financial severe hardship or where our nation’s heritage is at risk.

“These are unprecedented times and the effect of this virus is far-reaching but I hope that measures like this will help local visitor attractions to access funds which mean they are able to come through this crisis as best they can.”