WORK has begun to knock down a well-known seaside landmark.

The North Shelter on the seafront at Seaton Carew, is in the process of being demolished.

The bus shelter will be replaced with seating and landscaping during the work, which is expected to last two months.

The steps down to the beach will be retained under the plans.

The first phase of improvements around Seaton Carew's art deco bus station is due to start in the coming weeks and is also expected to take about two months.

Other work planned as part of the Seaton Carew Tourism Strategy, includes widening and resurfacing the road and laying paving.

Peter Scott, Hartlepool Borough Council's director of regeneration, said: "These improvements will build on the important work which has already been done to revitalise Seaton Carew, which is one of Hartlepool's key tourism assets."

Funding for the work has been provided by regional development agency One NorthEast and the European Regional Development Fund.

The council is bidding for money to restore the bus station building.