NEW Lottery funding will help restore Volk's Railway on Brighton's Victorian seafront.

Brighton and Hove City Council has successfully bid for £1.65 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to restore carriages from the historic railway as well as providing new and upgraded facilities and activities.

Work to build the new facilities are planned to start in September next year at the end of the railway’s operating season and are expected to be finished by spring 2017.

Volk’s Railway runs for a mile along Brighton seafront from the Palace Pier to Black Rock. Opened in 1883, it is the world’s oldest electric railway and the first public electric railway in Britain.

Councillor Alan Robins, deputy chair of the city’s Economic Development and Culture Committee, said: “The Volk’s Railway is a much loved and integral part of our city’s history. The funding success announced today is recognition from the HLF of the importance of this fascinating Victorian attraction which is still so very popular today in the 21st century.

"We will put the funds to good use to maintain and improve the railway, creating an even better experience for future passengers while staying true to Volk’s vision.”

Volk’s Railway was taken into council ownership in 1940. Since then, teams of council staff, with support from dedicated volunteers, have kept the railway running up to the present day.

Peter Williams, spokesperson for the Volk’s Electric Railway Association, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will secure the future of Volk’s Electric Railway for generations to come and will provide visitors with a new heritage experience based around the legacy that Magnus Volk left to the city of Brighton and Hove.

"At long last, staff and volunteers will be able to operate the railway’s historic cars from a modern, well-equipped depot."

Elsewhere, the HLF has agreed initial support of £30,000 to develop the Bluebell Railway's Accessible Steam Heritage Project.

Officials say the project will bring repairs to the running shed, which will be converted into an exhibition hall.

A second stage full grant will be looked at in 11 months’ time. The total project cost will be in excess of £1 million.