Derbyshire County Council is the latest partner to back a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to protect and restore a historic valley in the region linked to the birth of the industrial revolution.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is leading the bid for the proposed £2.3m development that would conserve and enhance the lower Derwent Valley, which includes the Derwent Valley Hills World Heritage Site.

The bid will be submitted in May, with a decision expected in September.

Proposed work includes opening up iconic views in the valley, managing woodland, repairing field barns and dry stone walls, conserving archaeology, protecting wildlife and producing a landscape conservation plan for Willersley Castle's parkland.

Other organisations involved in the partnership include Natural England, English Heritage, National Stone Centre, Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Partnership and Derby University.