A heritage centre which went up in flames has been given a grant to restore the priceless artefacts which were damaged.

The Bata Heritage Centre in East Tilbury fell victim to an arson attack at the beginning of this year after a car was reversed into it and the building was set alight.

But now the National Heritage Lottery Fund has given the centre a £65,500 grant which they can use to restore the artefacts that were damaged in the fire.

The 18-month ‘From the Flames’ project will also see a mobile exhibition developed to continue sharing East Tilbury’s Bata heritage with Thurrock’s community, while the library remains closed. 

There will be opportunities for local people to help by working with heritage professionals on the restoration and exhibition.  

This success was supported by a £5,000 Thurrock Voluntary Sector Development Fund grant, a £1,000 personal donation from the Bata family, and 1 Big Storage in East Tilbury who are housing the homeless Bata collection.

Mike Tarbard, Chairman of the Bata Heritage Centre said: "When the Heritage Centre went up in smoke, we thought that would be the end of our group. 

"However, we have been overwhelmed and encouraged by the support we have received. 

"Thanks to these supporters and the generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we can now take the first steps in bringing the Bata Heritage Centre back to life."

Suzie Spence, Grants Officer at HLF said: "The industrial and social heritage of Bata in East Tilbury means so much to local people, including the school children who study this history as part of their curriculum. 

"It is living history that communities still identify strongly with. 

"As such, we are delighted to be able to support this project which will reconnect heritage, people and communities in East Tilbury once more whilst the library is rebuilt.’