Anglesey has been chosen to join a multi-million pound heritage investment scheme by the National Lottery.

Ynys Môn is one of six new places - and only the second in Wales - to join the Heritage Places intiative, which is looking to spend over £200 million in 20 parts of the UK.

Neath Port Talbot was one of nine initial areas when the scheme was launched two years ago.

The chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund said the island's "vibrant coastal heritage" holds "incredible potential".

Eilish McGuinness added: "We are proud to champion and invest in these places, helping communities and partners to shape bold new visions for the heritage on their doorstep."

"Thanks to National Lottery players, we can make sure heritage is valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone - now and for generations to come."

"For over 30 years, we've invested in heritage to create better places to live, work and visit, increasing the positive contribution heritage makes to life in the UK. Heritage Places builds on that legacy, offering long-term support and driving even greater impact."

Anglesey Council leader Gary Prtichard said it was "an exciting announcement and opportunity" for Ynys Môn.

"We're proud that the Island has received national recognition and grateful to the Heritage Fund for its funding commitment."

"Our aim now is to expand the Island's rich heritage offer, ensuring that it can make a significant contribution to local communities and the socio-economic future of the Island. We are eager to work with partners, local stakeholders, community and interest groups to achieve this."

"I'd also like to thank staff at the council's economic development unit for preparing this successful proposal. Their continued guidance and insight will provide invaluable as we strive to make the most of this important funding."

Since the launch of the National Lottery in 1994, over £8.9 billion has been awarded to more than 48,000 projects by the heritage fund - the largest benefactor of its kind in the UK.

The Heritage Places scheme aims to play a key role in providing long-term support to help communities revitalise their heritage and explore untapped opportunities which contribute to local identity and increase heritage skills.

The other new Heritage Places are Barking & Dagenham in East London, the historic Belfast waterfront, Dudley in the Black Country, the Orkney islands and the Tameside area of Greater Manchester.

Martin Schwaller, a trustee and director of GeoMôn, the Anglesey UNESCO global geopark, said: "Anglesey's diverse rocks, shaped by a billion years of tectonic activity, make its landscape extraordinary."

"As a UNESCO Global Geopark, its geodiversity supports rich biodiversity and has influenced local culture and language."

"The historic Port of Amlwch, once a copper mining hub, now hosts GeoMôn's exhibition centre, attracting over 4,000 summer visitors. This site holds great potential for revitalisation; funding would benefit both locals and the island and make it a Jewel in the Crown of Wales."