WIRRAL has received a £130,000 boost from the Arts Council England.

Awarded from the Arts Council's National Lottery Project Grants, the cash has been handed to the council to support working with artists and local creatives as part of the Borough of Culture programme in 2019.

The announcement comes days before Animated Square, the first major event of Wirral's Borough of Culture year.

Returning to Hamilton Square on Saturday, March 23, thousands of visitors are expected to see a 3D tale of the town's history projected onto Birkenhead Town Hall.

Wirral Council leader Phil Davies told the Globe: “The decision by Arts Council England to support Wirral’s Borough of Culture programme is a ringing endorsement for the fantastic year of events and cultural projects that lies ahead.

“The grant will enable us to widen our ambition to work with some incredible artists from across the world and closer to home, and to deliver extraordinary cultural experiences for our residents and visitors.”

Other events this year are The Witching Hour - a new outdoor event hosted at Birkenhead Park, the OVO Energy Tour Series, Tour of Britain and Constellations.

Alison Clark, director north at Arts Council England said: “I am delighted that we are awarding Wirral Council £130,000 to support their work as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture 2019.

"Wirral as a borough have already shown a clear commitment to the importance of arts and culture and this funding will enable the Council to build on their fantastic work.

"I am excited to see the vast arts and culture programme that is being produced and I look forward to seeing how this will benefit the people of the borough, encourage new visitors to the area and transform the Wirral as a place.”