AMBITIOUS plans to demolish and rebuild the derelict Lynmouth Pavilion to create a new national park information centre have won initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Exmoor National Park Authority has been given £23,500 to help it progress its plans, which will include a further bid for up to £250,000 in lottery funding.

The first stage grant is seen as a firm endorsement of the authority's plans, meaning the project stands a good chance of claiming a much larger lottery windfall.

The authority wants to turn the historic but now derelict 1930s pavilion into a new-build visitor centre and is planning to apply for a larger lottery grant in the autumn.

Ben Totterdell, the authority's interpretation manager, said the proposals had already been helped by "generous support" from Devon County Council's 'Invest in Devon' Fund.

"We are now seeking further funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund that will enable us to add value to the interpretation of the unique heritage of the area and work with the community and a range of partners.

"This will ensure that the pavilion reaches its potential as an exciting, world-class centre for learning and exploration that will inspire people about Lynton and Lynmouth and the wider Exmoor national park area," he said.

The existing pavilion building is due to be demolished later this year.

The replacement will echo the design of the original 1930s pavilion, with some of the more historic features due to be reused in the new centre.

If all goes according to plan, the new centre could be open for business in spring next year.