A FIVE-YEAR plan to breathe life into a coastal town has been approved.

The blueprint to regenerate Seaton Carew won the support of Hartlepool Borough Council's Cabinet yesterday.

The public have been consulted about the Seaton Carew Tourism Strategy 2003 to 2008 and eight objectives will guide future policy.

The strategy aims to realise the potential of the beach and sand dunes as an asset; to improve transport services, infrastructure and promote accessibility; to identify sites and facilities with the potential for development and to enhance the physical environment to improve visitors' first impressions of the resort.

The plan also aims to market Seaton Carew as a destination for local residents as well as a wider audience; to promote events and activities; to recognise the role of local businesses in the resort's economy and to improve standards of accommodation.

Mayor Stuart Drummond said: "The image of Hartlepool has improved beyond all recognition and we are keen to build on that. We acknowledge that Seaton Carew requires investment and the challenge facing us now is to identify sources of funding that will enable us to achieve the aims of the strategy."

Peter Scott, director of regeneration, said: "The strategy aims to both maintain and improve the appeal of Seaton Carew to visitors, investors and, consequently, the local community.

"A healthy tourism industry brings wide-ranging benefits, including more job opportunities and new business possibilities, which, in turn, lead to a much stronger economy. It also raises pride in an area."