Arts Council England is investing more than £400,000 in a group of museums in the West Midlands.

Over the next two years, it will support a range projects which aim to make sure the museums have the resources they need to make the most of their collections.

The grant is worth £414,719 and comes from the Arts Council's Museum Resilience Fund and follows the news the body has awarded £1.6 million to arts and cultural organisations in the region.

Peter Knott, area director for Arts Council England, said: "In the Midlands, we're fortunate to have an exceptional mix of museums on our doorstep housing local histories and national treasures.

"We believe these museums - and the objects they keep safe - play a vital part in community life, helping us celebrate our heritage, deepening our knowledge of the world around us and entertaining people of all ages.

"This latest investment from our Museum Resilience Fund is about helping our region's museums become more sustainable businesses so their rich collections can be used and enjoyed for many years to come."

The six museums in the West Midlands to receive capital are:

- Lapworth Museum of Geology, University of Birmingham - £58,184

- Shropshire Council - £72,890

- Museum of Cannock Chase - £78,000

- Staffordshire Archives and Heritage Service - £102,000

- Compton Verney, Warwickshire - £56,000

- Association of British Transport & Engineering Museums, Warwickshire/National - £47,645