A museum on the site of the only UK World War One battlefield has been saved from closure thanks to regional daily – and a Swedish rock band.

HTFP reported in March on the Hartlepool Mail’s Battery Charge campaign, which aims to help the Heugh Battery Museum raise the cash it needs in order to survive and educate future generations.

Almost £7,000 has now been raised as a result of the campaign, meaning the attraction can remain open.

The appeal received a boost from Swedish power metal band Sabaton, who heard about the museum’s plight and raised more than £4,000 in three days after creating a special t-shirt in aid of the cause for fans to buy.

How the Mail covered the campaign victory

According to the Mail, the band have a passion for military history as well as a huge worldwide following, and got involved after hearing about the campaign while researching UK World War One locations.

Bass player Pär Sundström told the Mail: “We were aiming to help the museum hit their required target, and were still thinking of other ways that we might be able to help like a charity concert, so to see our fans smash through the target and exceed it by another 37pc is incredible.

“We are so happy we could play a part in preserving the Heugh Battery Museum and look forward to visiting when we get the opportunity.”

Museum manager Diane Stephens added: “The Mail has played a pivotal role in helping us to achieve our target.

“Getting the message out that we are here and need more people not just to donate to us, but to come and visit us.

“The articles printed during the Battery Charge campaign show just how much support we have received, but it is important that the message remains that we still need visitors.

“Without the help of the Mail that message would not have reached half the amount of people we have and we are hugely grateful for the support.”