With the cash helping to finance a film production village in the Whitby Street and Lynn Street area, Mr Sunak toured the nearby Northern School of Art and Northern TV and Film Studios on Thursday, January 19, to admire its new facilities. Here are pictures from his visit as well as flashbacks to appearances in town by his predecessors.
1. In pictures
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited the Northern School of Art and the Northern Film and TV Studios, in Lynn Street, Hartlepool, on Thursday. Photo: PA/Frank Reid
2. En route
The Prime Minister was in Blackpool and Morecambe earlier on Thursday. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Firing a warning
Not everyone was pleased to see the Prime Minister in town as this picture outside the studios suggests. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Surprise visit
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes his way into the Northern School of Art on Thursday (January 19). Photo: Mark Payne