Hartlepool's MP has thrown his backing behind the campaign to revitalise Middleton Grange's under-used market hall.

Iain Wright believes the Indoor Market in the Hartlepool shopping centre is in need of a facelift and is hoping that its revamp will give a welcome boost to local trade.

The project is the brainchild of Hartlepool Council's Enterprise Centre in Brougham Terrace, with the support of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, One North East and Enterprise Insight.

Painting and decorating work has been undertaken by staff and students from Hartlepool College of Further Education who have also been carrying out repair work and erecting new signage.

Iain Wright said: "The indoor market has looked quite tired for a number of years so this initiative is very welcome. These days people can shop online and at out-of-town complexes but a market hall has that personal touch and offers somewhere for people to meet up and chat.

"It is also great that college students are involved in the revamp of the hall as it gives them on-the-job experience and the understanding of working on a project to a tight deadline."

The Hartlepool MP, who is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for apprenticeships, previously held responsibility for markets.

He said: "I go into the market every week to get my fruit and veg and you can't beat it. I also go to the sandwich stall there and get a lovely turkey salad bun for £1.40, that's great value, it could be two or three times that elsewhere."

The market will officially re-launch on Saturday, September 5 to mark its rebirth and encourage shoppers to support their local stallholders.

Several small businesses will be filling units in the market including a holistic beauty therapy stall, a jewellers, gift shop and curtain makers, along with Hartlepool College of Further Education, CCAD and a business support stall.

Andrea Miles, Centre Manager at Hartlepool Enterprise Centre, said: "We are putting a lot of hard work into making this a success and although I am sure there will be teething problems along the way, we'll do our best to help existing stallholders as well as new ventures get the best out of their Indoor Market."