A partnership has been set up to safeguard the region's coast.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is backing the North East Coastal Authorities Group's £200,000 cost of carrying out a detailed investigation, covering access to beaches, the impact of mineral extraction, offshore power generation, and the protection of the historical heritage of the coast and its natural environment, as well as coastal properties.

John Riby, head of engineering and procurement services with Scarborough Borough Council, said the action plan would cover an area from the River Tyne to Flamborough Head, and would be carried out by consultantants Royal Haskoning.

Authorities involved in the partnership include Sunderland, South Tyneside, Scarborough, Redcar and Cleveland, Easington, East Riding of Yorkshire and Hartlepool councils, together with the National Trust, English Nature, Defra, and the North York Moors National Park.