A GOVERNMENT Minister who dropped a clanger by referring to Harrogate as a seaside resort has accepted an invite to visit the landlocked spa town.

Education Minister Charles Clarke made his Harrogate-by-the-sea blunder in July during a Commons exchange.

He responded to a jibe about where he took his holidays, retorting that perhaps he could visit Harrogate and "lounge on the beach when considering what to do".

His comments received widespread publicity, prompting the North Yorkshire town to extend the hand of friendship to the confused politician.

Harrogate Borough Council leader Mike Gardner wrote to Mr Clarke and invited him to visit the town so he could show him the delights of the inland resort and explain some of its spa heritage.

Coun Gardner said: "I think I will promendade him around the Pier Head first to take a look at the splendour of Montpellier Gardens. But, of course, he realises there will not be a sea view.

"I am glad that the minister has taken this in good part. He has told me he will try and fit in a visit to a local school when he is here."

Mr Clarke, who said he has visited Harrogate many times, said: "I am sorry if my wrong reference gave any offence."

Mr Clarke was the second Government minister within 18 months to make waves by misplacing Harrogate.

In March last year, Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt blamed "all that sea air in Harrogate" for contrbuting to unruly behaviour from Conservatives, who had just returned from their spring conference in the spa town.

Coun Gardner said: "I am certain Mr Clarke will soon realise why we have such a fine reputation as a resort, even if we are an inland one."

Government ministers are not the only people who have believed Harrogate to be coastal. Locals have often been asked for "the way to the sea".

One came face-to-face with a family whose children had buckets and spades at the ready.

Their smiles turned to frowns, however, when told they were 70 miles from the nearest beach